What is it?

• Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant, similar to amphetamines in the nature and duration of its effects.
• The medical use of Ritalin is for the treatment of ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder) which is prevalent in children and for the treatment of narcolepsy.
• Ritalin activates the brain stem arousal system and cortex and increases the amount of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which are neurotransmitters of the sympathetic nervous system (remember your flight-or-fight response).
• Ritalin is also prescribed as an antidepressant.
• Ritalin resembles the stimulant characteristics of cocaine. When taken in accordance with usual prescription instructions, it would be classified as having mild to moderate stimulant properties, but when snorted or injected it has a strong stimulant effect.

Common Names and Street Names Methylphenidate Pellets How is it used? Ritalin is usually taken orally, but can also be crushed and then snorted, or injected into body tissue or veins. The Scoop on Ritalin

• Ritalin's media hype began in 1995 due to its abuse mainly in the midwestern part of the United States.
• Since then, prescriptions for Ritalin have increased dramatically over the years due to its easy accessibility and illicit non-medical use.
• Snorting Ritalin can burn inside of your nose.
• When Ritalin is injected into body tissues or veins, it creates serious consequences like lung problems, drug overdose, blood clots and infections such as blood poisoning, hepatitis, and AIDS.

Short Term Use (Generally effects are the result of incorrect use or abuse of Ritalin.  Consult a physician if effects occur during prescribed use of Ritalin.)

• Change in heart rate and blood pressure
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Skin rashes
• Abdominal pain
• Weight Loss
• Bad breath
• Dry lips and mouth

Long Term Use (Generally effects are the result of incorrect use or abuse of Ritalin.  Consult a physician if effects occur during prescribed use of Ritalin.)

• Problems with breathing
• Damage to the brain, heart and lung
• Severe headaches
• Fever
• Anxiety
• Tremors
• Malnutrition
• Hallucinations

Tolerance Users of Ritalin become tolerant rather quickly.  Also, the frequent doses of Ritalin cause stronger side effects. Withdrawal

• Depression
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Lowered energy level

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Sources: 1.  Cohen, William E. and Darryl S. Inaba.  Uppers, Downers, All Arounders. CNS Production.  Ashland:  1989. 2.  Indiana Prevention Resource Center http://www.drugs.indiana.edu For more information go to http://www.drugs.indiana.edu/publications/iprc/factline/ritalin.html#health.