About Ritalin (Methylphenidate)

This particular drug is a very commonly prescribed psycho stimulant, and is used to treat some brain disorders, such as: ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression. The drug is a very strong and potent central nervous system stimulant, and it is also derived from the drug amphetamine.

Used Therapeutically

Methylphenidate, which is normally prescribed for therapeutic purposes, increases the activity in the central nervous system. The most common effects of the drug are, increased alertness, and will help prevent fatigue, and improve attention. It is also used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and depressions; however, very little research has been done on the effects of treating depression. Ritalin has also showed some benefits as a replacement treatment for a crystal meth addiction. Some research has also shown that is could potentially treat autism. Initial tests for the drug were done on rats with ADHD like symptoms to assess the overall safety of the drug on humans.

Side Effects

Normally the side effects do come forward during the long term use of the drug, as well as the chronic use of it. Unfortunately, very little research has been done on both the long term and chronic use of Ritalin. The side effects, which may occur, are the following:

• Growth retardation
• Headache
• Blood pressure & pulse changes
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Abdominal pain
• Addiction Nervousness
• Insomnia
• Weight loss
• Seizures
• Growth retardation
• Headache
• Blood pressure & pulse changes
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Abdominal pain
• Addiction Nervousness
• Insomnia
• Weight loss
• Seizures

Long Term Use of Ritalin

The long term effects of this drug such as, drug addiction, withdrawal, psychosis, and depression have all received very little research. A study was done amongst children whom were prescribed the drug. Out of 100 children studied and who received the drug, 6% of them became psychotic after just months and even years of use. Through the years Ritalin has been on the market there have been many controversies brought forward about the long term use of the drug, and possible dangerous effects. Such effects as:

• Paranoia
• Schizophrenia
• Psychotic symptoms
• Hearing voices
• Hallucinations
• Tolerance and behavioral sensation

All of these effects have been known to occur; yet, very little research has been done into this particular topic.

Overdose and Abuse

In 2004, there were over 8000 overdoses reported to the US Poison control center. The most common reason given as to why the overdose occurred was, suicide and drug addiction. The most common ways of abusing Ritalin is to crush up the pills and either snort them or through injection. When these methods of use are taken underway, the user will experience the same effects as cocaine; yet, more potent then cocaine. In the USA Ritalin is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, and is recognized for it medical use, but has a high potential for dependency.

 

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^{Works cited – Wikipedia 4 June, 2009, 4 June, 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylphenidate>}