Ritalin Abuse

Overview
Methylphenidate (MPH), which is manufactured under the brand name of Ritalin, is a stimulant. Ritalin produces pharmacological effects similar to those of cocaine and amphetamines, and it is prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHA), attention deficit disorder (ADD) and other conditions. Unlike other stimulants, however, MPH has not been produced by drug dealers in homemade labs, likely because it is an inexpensive, readily available medication with a prescription, even though it is a controlled substance.

A growing number of incidents of abuse have been associated with teens and young adults using MPH for its stimulant effects: appetite suppression, wakefulness, increased attentiveness, increased focus and euphoria. It is being used for appetite suppression in many teenagers; college students are taking advantage of its stimulant affects to help them stay focused and awake for those long nights of studying. The drug has street names such as "Vitamin R," "R-Ball" and the "Smart Drug." It is inexpensive to purchase from friends or dealers for anywhere from 50 cents and up to $5 per pill.

More common side effects of Ritalin include:
Inability to fall or stay asleep
Nervousness
Loss of appetite
Headache
Increased blood pressure
Increased heart rate

Less common side effects may include:
Abdominal pain
Abnormal heartbeat
Abnormal muscular movements
Chest pain
Dizziness
Seizures
Psychosis
Stroke

Usage
Tablets are either taken orally or after they are crushed into a powder. The powder form is snorted. Some users dissolve the tablets with water and inject the mixture.

Dangers
If abused, MPH can also cause addiction when excessive doses are consumed over a long period of time. It is also possible to develop tolerance to the drug, so that larger doses are needed to produce the original effect, leading to more drug use and an increased risk of unwanted side effects and addiction.
Complications from injection are common, since the fillers that are used in manufacturing MPH are not soluble in water and when injected they can block small blood vessels, causing damage to the lungs and retina.