Ritalin
Ritalin is the brand name for methylphenidate. Ritalin acts as a prescription stimulant to the central nervous system. It is primarily used to treat attention-deficit disorder, but is also used to treat the daytime sleepiness of narcolepsy and chronic fatigue syndrome. The standard dosage of Ritalin is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg tablets.
Research has shown that Ritalin is effective in treating the harmfully impulsive behavior and inability to concentrate found in individuals who suffer with ADD. Ritalin improves focus by stimulating the underactive portion of the brain. This is achieved by an increase in dopamine levels.
Some of the common Ritalin side effects a user may experience are:
- Weight loss, or problems gaining weight (especially in children taking Ritalin)
- Vomiting and nausea
- Insomnia, or problems falling to sleep
- Nervousness, and anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Mild skin rashes
- Dizziness, or a feeling of being “light-headed”
- Vision problems
Serious side effects of Ritalin, that require immediate medical attention, include:
- Heavy or difficulty breathing
- Allergic reactions (swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face or breaking out in hives)
- Feeling like you may faint/pass out
- Fever, sore throat, headaches coupled with severe blistering, peeling, etc.
- Fast or uneven heartbeats
- Restlessness, hostile behavior, hallucinations
- Erratic muscle spasms
- Purple spots on skin, or easily bruising
- Life-threateningly high blood pressure
- Blurred, fuzzy vision
- Buzzing in the ear, and confusion
Ritalin does not cure ADD, it merely reduces the symptoms. Many physicians suggest discovering the root of the individual’s behavioral problems through psychotherapy before, or in conjunction with, the use of medication.
Many children diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) are prescribed either methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine (Adderall). Both substances are potent stimulants and have been categorized as Schedule Two narcotics in the Controlled Substance Act since 1971. Prescription drugs considered to have the strongest potential for abuse and addiction are classified under Schedule Two.
Abuse and addiction to Ritalin is a prevalent side effect. Individuals, often obtaining Ritalin from a prescribed schoolmate or friend, abuse Ritalin by crushing the tablet up into powder and snorting it, dissolving it in water and injecting the substance, or taking it orally.
A survey facilitated by the DEA found that 30%-50% of young adults in treatment programs confess to Ritalin abuse. Seven percent of 44,000 high school students reported to abusing Ritalin at least once in their lifetime by snorting, orally, or injecting it and 2.5% admitted to abusing Ritalin once a month or more (Indiana University survey). Reports have indicated that Ritalin is used as a study aid, and a party drug.
Treatment for Ritalin addiction is similar to that of cocaine addiction. Clinical studies have revealed evidence that methylphenidate and amphetamine produce comparable psychological and behavioral effects to cocaine. Medical physicians and psychologists agree intense therapy coupled with group support, or rehabilitation centers are the best way to treat Ritalin addiction. Methylphenidate withdrawal symptoms are not considered life threatening, but the individual may experience depression, anxiety, and fatigue.