Adderall & Ritalin
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Pharmacology
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ritalin for use of child behavior issues in 1961. Considered in the same category as cocaine and amphetamine, Ritalin is a stimulant that also goes by its chemical name of Methylphenidate.1 Methylphenidate produces a behavioral and psychological change when used and is a stimulant of the central nervous system. 2 Methylphenidate was created in the 1940�s and was created from piperidine.3 Ritalin is in the same category as cocaine and amphetamine because it�s believed to have the same possible effects when used a certain way. Ritalin is not an addictive drug. It�s meant to be taken by mouth which causes it to dissolve slowly. It is also known but not meant to be ground into powder and snorted through the nose as well.1
Origins
Street Names
Typical Use
Ritalin is prescribed to mainly children who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Children who have ADHD and ADD don�t do as well in school, become distracted easily, and don�t always listen. When taking Ritalin they do better in school, listen more, and have a more positive energy. Many children are using Ritalin daily today. Some students try to get Ritalin because they have tests or papers coming up and they need to relax.1
Effects
There have not been any long-term studies completed to see if Ritalin has any dangerous effects after being used. When children use Ritalin it helps them become more focused in school and less distracted. The way Ritalin enters the bloodstream decides how it affects the body. When snorted through the nose, Ritalin gives the user more of a high about the same of that of cocaine. When snorted, it hits the bloodstream all at once whereas taking it orally lets it enter more slowly. Even though Ritalin is not an addictive drug, students who use it as a way to relax before tests or use it to write papers become dependent upon in because they don�t think they can work without it. It takes away their confidence to do well without it.1 A short-term effect that both adults and children see from Ritalin is insomnia and appetite suppression.2 When prescribed to a patient, Ritalin is not physically addictive. However, children and adults can both become dependent on the drug psychologically. The effects have been found from studies that follow people for 15 to 20 years after they have been taking Ritalin for several years during early childhood. It shows the side effects aren�t very large or severe. Studies haven�t been done that watch over children as they are young and continue to do so until they are adults to watch the effects of the drug.3
Harm
Ritalin can be harmful to the body when snorted because it gives a high like the drug cocaine.1 Ritalin can cause hunger suppression and insomnia. These can be noticed if a child taking Ritalin is losing too much weight.2
Prevention Strategies
Consumption Measures
One out of every eight American children will take Ritalin.1 Since 1990, the consumption of Ritalin has increased 700 percent. By now, the amount of schoolchildren that are taking Ritalin is almost up to 4 million.2
Addiction Screening Measures
References
1. Sax, Leonard. �Ritalin.� The World & I. Washington: Nov 2000. Vol. 15, Iss. 11; pg. 287. ProQuest. 19 Nov 2007.
2. Eberstadt, Mary. �Why Ritalin Rules.� Policy Review. Washington: Apr/May 1999. , Iss. 94; 17 pgs. ProQuest. 19 Nov 2007.
3. Diller, Lawrence H. �The Run on Ritalin.� The Hastings Center Report. Hastings-on-Hudson: Mar/Apr 1996. Vol. 26, Iss. 2; 7 pgs. ProQuest. 19 Nov 2007.
