 Ritalin
(Methylphenidate)
Methylphenidate is a medication prescribed for individuals
(usually children) who have an abnormally high level of activity
or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to
the National Institute of Mental Health, about 3 to 5 percent of
the general population has the disorder, which is characterized
by agitated behavior and an inability to focus on tasks. Methylphenidate
also is occasionally prescribed for treating narcolepsy.
Health
Effects
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It
has effects similar to, but more potent than, caffeine and less
potent than amphetamines. It has a notably calming effect on hyperactive
children and a "focusing" effect on those with ADHD.
Recent
research at Brookhaven National Laboratory may begin to explain
how methylphenidate helps people with ADHD. The researchers used
positron emission tomography (PET - a noninvasive brain scan)
to confirm that administering normal therapeutic doses of methylphenidate
to healthy, adult men increased their dopamine levels. The researchers
speculate that methylphenidate amplifies the release of dopamine,
a neurotransmitter, thereby improving attention and focus in individuals
who have dopamine signals that are weak, such as individuals with
ADHD.
When
taken as prescribed, methylphenidate is a valuable medicine. Research
shows that people with ADHD do not become addicted to stimulant
medications when taken in the form prescribed and at treatment
dosages. Another study found that ADHD boys treated with stimulants
such as methylphenidate are significantly less likely to abuse
drugs and alcohol when they are older than are non-treated ADHD
boys.
Because
of its stimulant properties, however, in recent years there have
been reports of abuse of methylphenidate by people for whom it
is not a medication. Some individuals abuse it for its stimulant
effects: appetite suppression, wakefulness, increased focus/attentiveness,
and euphoria. When abused, the tablets are either taken orally
or crushed and snorted. Some abusers dissolve the tablets in water
and inject the mixture - complications can arise from this because
insoluble fillers in the tablets can block small blood vessels.
Trends in Ritalin Abuse
At their June 2000 meeting, members of NIDA's Community Epidemiology
Work Group (CEWG) shared the following information.
- The
abuse of methylphenidate has been reported in Baltimore, mostly
among middle and high schools students; Boston, especially among
middle and upper-middle class communities; Detroit; Minneapolis/St.
Paul; Phoenix; and Texas.
-
When abused, methylphenidate tablets are often used orally or
crushed and used intranasally.
-
In 1999, 165 methylphenidate-related poison calls were made in
Detroit; 419 were reported in Texas, with 114 of those involving
intentional misuse or abuse.
-
On Chicago's South Side, some users inject methylphenidate (this
is referred to as "west coast"). Also, some mix it with
heroin (a "speedball") or in combination with both cocaine
and heroin for a more potent effect.
-
Because stimulant medicines such as methylphenidate do have potential
for abuse, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has
placed stringent, Schedule II controls on their manufacture, distribution,
and prescription. For example, DEA requires special licenses for
these activities, and prescription refills are not allowed. States
may impose further regulations, such as limiting the number of
dosage units per prescription.
News
- Perspective:
Miracle drug? - Adderall is prescribed for individuals
with ADD and ADHD; for nonprescribed users there can be some serious
risks
This
information taken from NIDA
*The
Office of Health Education does not encourage or condone the use
of any illegial drug.
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