Ritalin is a brand-name prescription drug that was brought to market by the pharmaceutical company, Novartis. The active ingredient in Ritalin is methylphenidate, which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat hyperactivity, narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder, according to Drugs.com. RxList.com notes that methlphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant prescribed to millions of U.S. school-age children that carries the potential for harmful effects.
Addiction and Dependency
Ritalin is an amphetamine-like stimulant classified as a schedule II substance. Ritalin is similar in chemical structure, metabolization and clinical effect to amphetamines and cocaine. A 2001 study published in the journal "Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology" concluded that physiological effects of oral cocaine and methylphenidate in Ritalin were similar. Consequently, Ritalin is considered addictive and often produces effects similar to that of "speed" in some users, despite the fact that it is intended to calm children down.
In fact, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency issued a warning for all methylphenidate products, and stated Ritalin has a high potential for abuse and may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence (Reference 4). For these reasons, Ritalin has become a commonly abused street drug by both children and adults, who usually snort or inject it. Tolerance to methylphenidate can be built up over time, which means the user needs to take larger doses to achieve the same effect and might depend on methylphenidate just to function normally.
Insomnia
Ritalin is also marketed to those who suffer from extreme day-time sleepiness and have sudden episodes of dozing off, which is called narcolepsy. Not surprisingly, when given to children for hyperactivity or attention deficit issues who do not have narcolepsy, a common harmful effect is insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns, as noted by RxList. Part of the "zombie-like" behavior of children on Ritalin is from chronic insomnia.
Nervousness
Another common harmful effect of Ritalin is feelings of nervousness. Drugs.com adds that similar feelings might also occur and be described as agitation, anxiety, irritability, depression, restlessness and even irrational aggression.
Serious Cardiovascular Events
Less common, but more serious harmful effects of Ritalin include the cardiovascular system. RxList cites that sudden death from heart attacks has been reported in association with central nervous system stimulants, such as Ritalin. Heart palpitations, increased heart rate and hypertension have also been noted.
References
- Drugs.com: Methylphenidate - Ritalin
- RxList.com: Ritalin
- PubMed/"Experimental Clinical Psychopharmacology"; Feb, 2001; PubMed: "Behavioral pharmacological Similarities Between Methylphenidate and Cocaine in Cocaine Abusers"
- U.S. Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration: Methylphenidate Warning
