Methylphenidate,
which is manufactured under the brand name of Ritalin®,
is a stimulant. The photo on the left is a true to life size photo of
three doses of Ritalin®. They are from the top, 5 mg,
10 mg and 20 mg tablets. Many generic brands of Ritalin
will also be yellow in the 5 mg tablet dosage and green in the
10 mg, most generic brands will be in the same or close colors
to them, but they can vary. There is also an extended-release
form in 20 mg.
Ritalin®
is a stimulant that produces pharmacological effects similar
to those of cocaine and amphetamines and it is prescribed
to treat (ADHD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,
ADD and other conditions. Unlike other stimulants, however,
MPH (its shortened chemical name) has not been produced by
drug dealers in homemade labs, probably because it is an inexpensive,
available medication with a prescription, even though it is
a controlled substance.
In
this article we are NOT discussing the use of Ritalin when
prescribed for ADHD, but about the ABUSE of this substance
by young people for recreational purposes. (For more on ADD
and ADHD, see the links below).
A
growing number of incidents of abuse have been associated
with teens and young adults using MPH for its stimulant effects:
appetite suppression, wakefulness, increased attentiveness,
increased focus, and euphoria. Many teens are using it for
weight reduction since it is a powerful appetite suppressant.
The drug
has been named with the street name of: "Vitamin R",
"R-Ball" and the "Smart Drug". It is inexpensive
to purchase from friends or dealers for anywhere from 50 cents
to one dollar per pill and up to 5 dollars per pill.
The
drug is prescribed to approximately 2.5 million children for
ADD/ADHD, according to Ciba-Geigy, but this has been a very
controversial drug and topic over the past several years.
We are not promoting this drug, just providing information
about the potential abuse of it.
Consult
with your health care provider if you are concerned about
taking Ritalin®. All drugs used correctly have their place
and all can be abused if not used correctly and treated with
RESPECT.
The dramatic
increase in the U.S. production and consumption of this drug
in recent years can largely be attributed to its increased
use for the treatment of ADHD in children. A growing number
of incidents of abuse have been associated with adolescents,
young adults and college students who are using the drug for
its stimulant effects. It is being used for appetite suppression
in many teenagers with eating disorders who have gotten the
pills from friends. In college students it is being used as
a stimulant to help them stayed focused and awake (for long
nights of studying) and for parents of children prescribed
the drug for ADHD, it is often being used as a stimulant and
appetite suppressant. (Need to stay awake? See “Caffeine”).
Excessive
doses of Ritalin over a long period of time can produce addiction.
It is also possible to develop tolerance to the drug, so that
larger doses are needed to produce the original effect. (Ritalin
is also occasionally used in adults to treat narcolepsy --
an uncontrollable sleeping disorder).
Tablets
are either taken orally or after they are crushed into a powder.
The powder form is snorted. Some users dissolve the tablets
with water and inject the mixture.
Complications
from injection are common since the fillers that used in MPH
are not soluble in water and when injected they can block
small blood vessels causing damage to the lungs and retina!
Thanks
and appreciation are extended to the U.S. Department of Justice,
Drug Enforcement Administration for their information, cooperation
and support.
To
the Substance Abuse...
For more on ADHD and ADD...
Inability to fall or stay asleep