Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin, is a Central Nervous System stimulant drug. It is used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) in kids, teens, and adults. Novartis (formerly Ciba-Geigy) began producing Ritalin about 30 years ago. It was designed to fix a chemical-imbalance in the brain (ADD and ADHD). The use of Ritalin began slowly, but as soon as the ADD diagnosis became more common, so did the prescriptions of Ritalin. "ADD has become an increasingly common diagnosis for young people with learning disabilities, causing a dramatic spike in Ritalin prescriptions. Though the drug helps ADD sufferers focus, it acts as a stimulant in those who are not diagnosed with the disorder." http://www.articles.student.com/article/Ritalin.
Ritalin is classified by the DEA as a Schedule II drug. High school and college students commonly abuse Ritalin for a quick "high." A single pill of Ritalin usually costs the drug abuser anywhere between $3 and $5 on the streets. "Ritalin effect is equal to that of cocaine or amphetamines, however Ritalin is more potent and lasts longer." http://www.students.stedwards.edu/~sgottne/summ5.htm. There are no physiological tests to determine ADD, so prescriptions of Ritalin are given out to almost anyone that has some minute symptom of this disorder. Because of this, there are many unneeded prescriptions around, leaving a surplus of Ritalin pills to sell to abusers on the streets. .
Dr. Peter Breggin believes stimulant drugs are "gateway" drugs. Researchers at the University of California - Berkeley have been tracking ADHD youths into adulthood and have noticed a connection between Ritalin and later use of cocaine, tobacco and other stimulant drugs. Although these results are not yet official, it is still something that needs to be taken into consideration by consumers. Ritalin could also make consumers more sensitive to cocaine, should they choose to use it.
Ritalin blocks the reuptake of dopamine. ... The generic name for Ritalin is methylphenidate. ... The treatment for an overdose of Ritalin is gastric lavage. ... Ritalin is now under new fire; a medical examiner in Michigan has released findings that may link Ritalin to the death of a boy (Diller, 2000). ... Over prescribing Ritalin is a fairly common occurrence. ...
Ritalin is the drug I am referring to. ... But Ritalin has many negative sides to it. Under "Concerns of Ritalin I found that according to the united States Drug Enforcement Agency, Ritalin is a Class II drug. ... In fact Ritalin has been known to be called a close cousin to speed. ... They have all decided that Ritalin is a bad choice to make. ...
Ritalin is in a class of drugs called Methylphetamines. ... Students are using Ritalin as a study aid. ... They feel that Ritalin gives them this "edge." ... Although there are many harmful side effects and social problems related to Ritalin, many people claim that Ritalin is a vital part of controlling ADD. And in most cases Ritalin has shown proven results. ...
The most popular would be Ritalin. ... As useful as Ritalin is, it has sparked a great deal of controversy. ... This over prescription of Ritalin brings up the problem of its abuse. ... An overdose of Ritalin usually occurs and has severe consequences. ... Ritalin works for a lot of people. ...
Roots: Psychology "The Over Prescription of Methylphenidate (Ritalin) in Today's Society" It's been said that nearly one out of every thirty Americans between the ages of five and 19 has a prescription to Ritalin (Rowland 2003). ... More people are receiving Ritalin then they should be. ... This is the case with Ritalin. ... Granted, therapy and counseling work best when combined with Ritalin, but they generally use much lower dosages of Ritalin. ... Ritalin does not in fact cure ADHD it only neutralizes its effects. ...
Likewise, there are arguments for and against the use of Ritalin. ... Since ADD/ADHD are not real, Ritalin should not be prescribed. ... The schools have a big part in the rise in Ritalin use as well. ... Advocates of Ritalin, however, still claim that Ritalin is affective and necessary. ... Ritalin can also be an addicting drug. ...
