Ritalin
- What is Ritalin?
- Street Names
- How is it taken?
- What are the effects?
- What are the dangers?
- Is it addictive?
What is Ritalin?
- Ritalin is a medication prescribed for individuals (usually children) who have an abnormally high level of activity or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Methylphenidate also is occasionally prescribed for treating narcolepsy.
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Street Names
aka: "JIF", "MPH", "R-ball", "Skippy", "the smart drug", "vitamin R"
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How is it taken?
- Tablets are either taken orally or crushed and snorted.
- Some abusers dissolve the tablets in water and inject the mixture - however, complications can arise from this because insoluble fillers in the tablets can block small blood vessels.
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What are the effects?
- Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It has effects similar to, but more potent than, caffeine and less potent than amphetamines.
- It may provide stimulant effects: appetite suppression, wakefulness, increased focus/attentiveness, and euphoria.
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What are the dangers?
- Digestive problems.
- Tremor, loss of coordination.
- Irritability, anxiousness, restlessness, delirium, panic, paranoia, impulsive behavior, aggressiveness.
- Addiction.
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Is it addictive?
Yes, Ritalin is addictive.
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Sources:
Below are links PAMF accessed when researching this topic. PAMF, however, does not sponsor or endorse any of these sites, nor does PAMF guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on them.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA for Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse. Created with the help and advice of teens, presents information on the science behind drug abuse and has animated illustrations, quizzes, and games. Accessed June 2004.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA InfoFacts: Methylphenidate (Ritalin). Accessed June 2004.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Drug Descriptions: Methylphenidate (Ritalin). Accessed June 2004.
Office of National Drug Control Policy. Street Terms: Ritalin. Accessed June 2004.
Last Reviewed: October 2004
Below are links PAMF accessed when researching this topic. PAMF, however, does not sponsor or endorse any of these sites, nor does PAMF guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on them.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA for Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse. Created with the help and advice of teens, presents information on the science behind drug abuse and has animated illustrations, quizzes, and games. Accessed June 2004.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA InfoFacts: Methylphenidate (Ritalin). Accessed June 2004.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Drug Descriptions: Methylphenidate (Ritalin). Accessed June 2004.
Office of National Drug Control Policy. Street Terms: Ritalin. Accessed June 2004.
Last Reviewed: October 2004