Ritalin, generic name methylphenidate, is a medication prescribed primarily to treat attention deficit hyperactivity and narcolepsy. Ritalin belongs to a class of drugs that stimulate the central nervous system, mainly the brain. Its effects can help you stay awake if you have narcolepsy or improve attention and decrease restlessness if you suffer from ADHD.
Ritalin's Effects
According to Drugs.com, how Ritalin improves ADHD and narcolepsy is poorly understood. Ritalin is known to stimulate the central nervous system and may activate the arousal system and the cortex of the brain. Because Ritalin affects the brain, you may experience nervous system side effects. You should let your doctor know if you experience aggression, thoughts of suicide, seizures or visual disturbances.
Effects on the Heart
Ritalin is also metabolized in your heart, which may cause cardiac side effects. Specificallly, Ritalin may affect your heart rate or rhythm. Patients with known heart abnormalities should avoid Ritalin, because it may worsen their condition. Drugs.com warns that Ritalin may also elevate your blood pressure, increase your risk for heart attack or worsen heart failure. Therefore, your doctor should perform a full cardiovascular examination before starting you on a Ritalin regimen.
Excretion
Once a medication enters the body, it is processed into its useful form, then eventually excreted from the body. Ritalin is converted into a major metabolite and peaks in your bloodstream in two to four hours. Your kidneys are responsible for collecting the major metabolite from your bloodstream and excreting it in your urine. Therefore, if you have kidney problems, you should let your doctor know to make sure you are on the proper dose of Ritalin to prevent an overdose.
Gender Differences in Metabolism
Drugs.com states that gender doesn't affect the levels of Ritalin in your bloodstream. However, if you are taking the extended form of Ritalin, Ritalin SR, and are a female, your blood levels of the major Ritalin SR metabolite, or breakdown product, may be higher than in your male counterparts. The higher level of Ritalin SR metabolite in women is likely due to decreased urinary excretion of the major metabolite when compared to men. The increased levels of the major metabolite may cause the effects of Ritalin SR to last longer in women than in men, although serum levels of Ritalin before metabolism are the same.
