Ritalin is Schedule II in the United States. This means it is illegal to sell without a DEA license and illegal to buy or possess without a license or prescription.
Addictive Potential: Medium
Emergency Room Visits Yearly: Unknown
Mandatory Minimum Sentence: Not more than 20 years in prison
Mechanism of Action: Increases the Neurotransmitters Noreponephine and Dopamine
Overview:
Methylphenidate (MPH) is an amphetamine-like prescription stimulant commonly used to treat Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It is also one of the primary drugs used to treat symptoms of traumatic brain injury, the daytime drowsiness symptoms of narcolepsy, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Brand names of drugs that contain methylphenidate include Ritalin® (Ritalina®, Rilatine®, Ritalin LA® (Long Acting), Attenta®, Concerta® (a timed-release capsule), Metadate®, Methylin® and Rubifen®. Focalin® is a preparation containing only dextro-methylphenidate, rather than the usual racemic dextro- and levo-methylphenidate mixture of other formulations.
A newer way of taking methylphenidate is by using a transdermal patch (Daytrana®), similar to those used for birth control and nicotine release.
Some people abuse MPH by crushing the tablets and snorting them thus changing the typical theraputic delivery system. The "high" results from the rapid increased rate of dopamine transporter blockade due to quicker absorption into the bloodstream. When abused, the effect of Ritalin is similar to that of cocaine or amphetamine and such abuse can lead to addiction. Street names for Ritalin include: diet coke, kiddie cocaine, kiddie coke, vitamin R, R-ball, poor man's cocaine, rids, skittles, R-pop, baby blow, coke junior and smarties.
Research:
Effects of Long-term Ritalin Use (pdf) - K. Cole (2007)
