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Ritalin

Sounds Like: ri.tuh.lin

Classification: Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulant

Controlled Substance Act Schedule: II

Other names for Ritalin

  • R-ball
  • Vitamin R
  • Smarties
  • Skittles
  • Poor Man’s Cocaine
  • Diet Coke
  • Rittys
  • Skippy
  • Study Buddies
  • Truck Drivers
  • Kiddie Coke/Cocaine

Ritalin Addiction

What is Ritalin?

Ritalin is a brand-name prescription medication that belongs to the drugs class central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. Similar to Adderall, it’s a popular treatment option for attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (sleep disorder). Ritalin contains the active ingredient methylphenidate, which works by increasing the blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature of its users to make them more alert. 

The pharmacology of Ritalin is closely related to cocaine. Ritalin binds to the same receptors as cocaine, releasing more dopamine in the brain and body to produce similar, short-term effects of happiness and alertness.

Ritalin Addiction

Due to its short-term effects, Ritalin has an increased risk for abuse and addiction. The prescription stimulant is known to improve attention and focus in its users, making it the drug of choice for students with school demands. In addition to its use as a study aid, Ritalin is often combined with alcohol, a CNS depressant, to help people feel more alert and less drunk in party settings. 

Repeated use of Ritalin can lead to mental and physical dependence, especially for people who take it without a prescription or use more than what’s prescribed. Prolonged use can cause serious side effects like sleeping and heart problems, depression, and mood swings. These are examples of withdrawal symptoms or signs that a person’s body depends on Ritalin to “feel normal.” 

Many people might continue using Ritalin to soothe their withdrawal symptoms, despite negative physical and social consequences. Drinking alcohol while taking Ritalin or combining it with other CNS stimulants like Adderall or cocaine can increase the risk of serious complications like strokes, seizures or a fatal heart attack.

If you or someone you know experiences withdrawal symptoms as a result of taking Ritalin, substance use experts recommended tapering your body off the drug under the supervision of trained medical staff at a drug detox center.

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Intended Use of Ritalin

Chemist Leandro Panizzon created methylphenidate, the generic name for Ritalin, in 1944 after his wife Margarita (nicknamed “Rita”). Ritalin is used almost exclusively to treat children diagnosed with ADHD, although it’s also prescribed for ADD and narcolepsy. According to the DEA, some children might experience ADHD symptoms into adulthood. As a result, methylphenidate prescriptions for people 18 years of age and older are a growing market.

How Ritalin Is Taken

Take Ritalin exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Ritalin is taken by mouth in pills that are white or yellow in color. Doctors recommend taking five milligrams twice daily for children six years or older diagnosed with ADD. The usual dose for adults diagnosed with narcolepsy is 20-to-30-milligram tablets taken two or three times per day, usually 30-to-45 minutes before meals.

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Side Effects of
Ritalin

If any of these side effects become severe, immediately call a doctor.

  • Sleeping problems
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Mood changes
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Dry mouth
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea and vomiting

Signs of an
Addiction to Ritalin

Uncontrolled cravings for Ritalin

Unsuccessful attempts to stop using Ritalin

Physical withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using Ritalin

Prioritizing use of Ritalin over spending time with family or friends

Legal or financial problems

Use of Ritalin despite adverse or negative behaviors

Stealing money or items to pay for Ritalin

Lying to doctors or therapists to get more Ritalin

Inexplicable weight loss

Ritalin
Abuse Facts

The main people who misuse Ritalin are younger than 25 years old

Prescription Ritalin costs about $0.30 per 20-milligram pill

Nearly 1% of eighth, 10th and 12th grade students reported nonmedical use of Ritalin within the past year