The Pros and Cons of
Ritalin Use
ADHD is a mental disorder, usually diagnosed in childhood, which
manifests itself with symptoms such as hyperactivity, forgetfulness,
mood shifts, poor impulse control, and distractibility.
Methylphenidate (MPH) is an amphetamine-like prescription stimulant
commonly used to treat ADHD in children and adults. It is also one of the
primary drugs used to treat symptoms of traumatic brain injury and the
daytime drowsiness symptoms of narcolepsy and chronic fatigue
syndrome.
Brand names of drugs that contain methylphenidate include Ritalin,
Concerta, Metadate, Methylin, Rubifen and Focalin.
Methylphenidate's most notable side effect is migraines. Migraines may
appear hours after taking the drug.
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It is
claimed to have a calming effect on many children who have ADHD,
reducing impulsive behavior and the tendency to act out, and helps
them concentrate on schoolwork and other tasks.
Some researchers have theorized that ADHD is caused by a dopamine
imbalance in the brains of those affected. MPH is a dopamine re-uptake
inhibitor, which means that it increases the level of the dopamine
neurotransmitter in the brain by partially blocking the transporters that
remove it from the synapses.
In the United States, methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II
controlled substance, the designation used for substances that have a
recognized medical value but which have a high potential for abuse
because of their addictive potential. Some people abuse MPH by
crushing the tablets and snorting them, the high resulting from the
increased rate of dopamine transporter blockade due to quicker
absorption into the bloodstream. In this manner, the effect of Ritalin is
similar to that of cocaine or amphetamine and such abuse can lead to
addiction. When taken orally in prescribed doses, MPH has a low
addiction liability and rarely produces a high. Methylphenidate has been
used illegally by students for whom the drug has not been prescribed, to
assist with coursework and examinations.
Some consider the treatment of children with stimulant medication to be
controversial since the number of children taking them has increased
dramatically over the years. However, criticism that methylphenidate is
over-prescribed may be unfounded; the incidence of ADHD is believed to
be between three and five percent of the population, while the number of
children in America taking Ritalin is estimated at one to two percent.
Some have argued that prescription of stimulant medications sets
children up for future addictions. However, recent research suggests that
boys with ADHD who are treated with stimulants like MPH are actually
less likely to abuse drugs including alcohol later in life.
As long-term use of methylphenidate was relatively uncommon before
the 1990s, the long-term neurological effects are not well researched.
As documented for amphetamines, the potential of methylphenidate use
over many years causing permanent neurological damage to
dopaminergic systems exists at least in theory.
Researchers have also looked into the role of methylphenidate in
affecting stature, with some studies finding slight decreases in height
acceleration. Other studies indicate height may normalize by
adolescence.
Both the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the
United Nations International Narcotics Control Board have expressed
concern about the ease with which legally prescribed MPH is diverted to
the illicit market.
According to the DEA, "The increased use of this substance [MPH] for
the treatment of ADHD has paralleled an increase in its abuse among
adolescents and young adults who crush these tablets and snort the
powder to get high. Youngsters have little difficulty obtaining
methylphenidate from classmates or friends who have been prescribed it.
At a Rhode Island middle school, half a dozen sixth graders were
charged with drug possession or distribution. Five teenagers at a Florida
high school faced similar charges.
With 11 million Ritalin prescriptions given out every year, there's plenty
circulating in what has become a schoolyard black market. Many
students who are prescribed the drug are selling it to their peers for a
few dollars a pill.
A recent study in Massachusetts found that of 3,500 high school
students, almost 13% admitted to using someone else's Ritalin.
Ritalin, snorted or injected, is not only addictive, but can also be deadly
(can cause tremors, palpitations, hypertension, convulsions).
The DEA is set to distribute a pamphlet to schools warning about
potential Ritalin abuse and recommending tight storage and supervision
to stem the problem.
Ritalin Use
ADHD is a mental disorder, usually diagnosed in childhood, which
manifests itself with symptoms such as hyperactivity, forgetfulness,
mood shifts, poor impulse control, and distractibility.
Methylphenidate (MPH) is an amphetamine-like prescription stimulant
commonly used to treat ADHD in children and adults. It is also one of the
primary drugs used to treat symptoms of traumatic brain injury and the
daytime drowsiness symptoms of narcolepsy and chronic fatigue
syndrome.
Brand names of drugs that contain methylphenidate include Ritalin,
Concerta, Metadate, Methylin, Rubifen and Focalin.
Methylphenidate's most notable side effect is migraines. Migraines may
appear hours after taking the drug.
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It is
claimed to have a calming effect on many children who have ADHD,
reducing impulsive behavior and the tendency to act out, and helps
them concentrate on schoolwork and other tasks.
Some researchers have theorized that ADHD is caused by a dopamine
imbalance in the brains of those affected. MPH is a dopamine re-uptake
inhibitor, which means that it increases the level of the dopamine
neurotransmitter in the brain by partially blocking the transporters that
remove it from the synapses.
In the United States, methylphenidate is classified as a Schedule II
controlled substance, the designation used for substances that have a
recognized medical value but which have a high potential for abuse
because of their addictive potential. Some people abuse MPH by
crushing the tablets and snorting them, the high resulting from the
increased rate of dopamine transporter blockade due to quicker
absorption into the bloodstream. In this manner, the effect of Ritalin is
similar to that of cocaine or amphetamine and such abuse can lead to
addiction. When taken orally in prescribed doses, MPH has a low
addiction liability and rarely produces a high. Methylphenidate has been
used illegally by students for whom the drug has not been prescribed, to
assist with coursework and examinations.
Some consider the treatment of children with stimulant medication to be
controversial since the number of children taking them has increased
dramatically over the years. However, criticism that methylphenidate is
over-prescribed may be unfounded; the incidence of ADHD is believed to
be between three and five percent of the population, while the number of
children in America taking Ritalin is estimated at one to two percent.
Some have argued that prescription of stimulant medications sets
children up for future addictions. However, recent research suggests that
boys with ADHD who are treated with stimulants like MPH are actually
less likely to abuse drugs including alcohol later in life.
As long-term use of methylphenidate was relatively uncommon before
the 1990s, the long-term neurological effects are not well researched.
As documented for amphetamines, the potential of methylphenidate use
over many years causing permanent neurological damage to
dopaminergic systems exists at least in theory.
Researchers have also looked into the role of methylphenidate in
affecting stature, with some studies finding slight decreases in height
acceleration. Other studies indicate height may normalize by
adolescence.
Both the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the
United Nations International Narcotics Control Board have expressed
concern about the ease with which legally prescribed MPH is diverted to
the illicit market.
According to the DEA, "The increased use of this substance [MPH] for
the treatment of ADHD has paralleled an increase in its abuse among
adolescents and young adults who crush these tablets and snort the
powder to get high. Youngsters have little difficulty obtaining
methylphenidate from classmates or friends who have been prescribed it.
At a Rhode Island middle school, half a dozen sixth graders were
charged with drug possession or distribution. Five teenagers at a Florida
high school faced similar charges.
With 11 million Ritalin prescriptions given out every year, there's plenty
circulating in what has become a schoolyard black market. Many
students who are prescribed the drug are selling it to their peers for a
few dollars a pill.
A recent study in Massachusetts found that of 3,500 high school
students, almost 13% admitted to using someone else's Ritalin.
Ritalin, snorted or injected, is not only addictive, but can also be deadly
(can cause tremors, palpitations, hypertension, convulsions).
The DEA is set to distribute a pamphlet to schools warning about
potential Ritalin abuse and recommending tight storage and supervision
to stem the problem.
