Ritalin is Similar To...
Methylphenidate, or Ritalin, is Very Similar to Cocaine/Crack
Ritalin and Cocaine are both Schedule II controlled Substances in the United States. They have similar chemical structures, stimulant effects, and addictive properties. They both work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain.
Ritalin and Cocaine block the natural reuptake process of dopamine at the synapse causing the synaptic cleft in between two neurons to be overfilled with dopamine.
Allegorically, this process can be simplified and compared to a bathroom sink. Imagine that there is a faucet pouring water (dopamine) in to the sink (synaptic cleft). There are naturally two ways for the water to exit the sink, either by the main drain or by flowing over the side when there is too much water for the main drain to handle. These drugs block the side overflow so that the main drain has no option but to drain out all of the water. The main drain will expand and adjust to the new rate of water (dopamine) flow.
Full List of Childrens' Psychiatric Medications
