Methylphenidate is the generic version of such medications as Ritalin. It is the most commonly prescribed psycho stimulant. Methylphenidate is often used to treat individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and to treat narcolepsy. In addition to Ritalin, methylphenidate is also available in the brand names Concerta, Metadate CD, Metadate ER, Methylin, Methylin ER, Ritalin LA, Ritalin-SR and Daytrana.
Methylphenidate is often available as an instant-release racemic mixture and serves as a potent central nervous system stimulant. Methylphenidate is derived from amphetamine and is believed to exert its effect by enhancing dopaminergic transmission in the brain. Whether in its generic or brand names versions, this medication is known by its many street names, such as Rids, Pineapple, Uppers, Vitamin R. Jif and Rball.
Abuses of Methylphenidate
Like Ritalin, Methylphenidate presents a high potential for abuse. Most users of methylphenidate obtain the drug through legitimate prescriptions, yet abuse is the result of trying to achieve a certain result once tolerance sets in, or an accidental addiction begins. Abuse is common as a result of individuals using the drug to stay awake, a common habit among college students. For those seeking to achieve a euphoric effect, the drug is crushed and then ingested through intranasal and intravenous means or it is smoked.
Methylphenidate has a close pharmaceutical equivalent to cocaine. With its impact on the central nervous system, many abusers use it to increase alertness, attention and energy, which can lead to abuse and even risk of death. These benefits are usually accompanied by increases in blood pressure, heart pressure and breathing. Methylphenidate and its other brands have also been abused for its effect on weight loss.
Effects of Methylphenidate
Certain effects are caused by methylphenidate, even when it is prescribed by a physician and taken according to directions. As it is a stimulant, methylphenidate can cause difficulty sleeping, a loss of appetite, irritability, nervousness, stomach aches, headaches, dry mouth, blurred vision, nausea, drowsiness and dizziness.
When a habit of methylphenidate is formed, it can cause a number of significant physical reactions. These reactions can include an irregular heartbeat, dangerously high body temperatures, potential for cardiovascular failure or seizures, demonstrated hostilities, feelings of paranoia, verbal tics, uncontrolled movements and difficulty urinating.
Withdrawal of Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is often taken for long periods of time, generating the likelihood of a physical or psychological dependence. Whenever the medication is stopped, especially after substantial and prolonged use, a dysphoric mood can develop within a few hours or even several days after the cessation of the drug. Such a mood can even set in after a reduction in the dose of medication.
Withdrawal symptoms associated with methylphenidate can include, but are not limited to:
• Fatigue
• Vivid, unpleasant dreams
• Insomnia or Hypersomnia
• Increased appetite
• Psychomotor retardation
• Depression
• Changes in heart rhythm
Treatment of Methylphenidate Addiction
As it is common for an individual taking methylphenidate to be on the medication for a long period of time, an addiction is likely to develop even under a doctor’s care. As such, it is extremely vital that withdrawal happen in a supervised environment to prevent life-threatening symptoms or events. The first step is for a patient to be evaluated by a board-certified physician and a board-certified psychiatrist to determine the proper method for treatment.
Detoxification is necessary, and a doctor supervised 24/7 treatment is recommend.. A number of quality treatment centers provide a comfortable detox method as the body has become accustomed to having methylphenidate in its system and needs to learn how to function without the drug. In taking such an approach, the center and its professionals identify the problems linked to the methylphenidate use and abuse to increase the likelihood of a full recovery from the addiction.