| RITALIN
(Methylphenidate)
The primary, legitmate medical use of methylphenidate
(Ritalin) is to treat attention deficit disorders in
children. As with other Schedule II stimulants, the
abuse of methylphenidate may produce the same effects
as the abuse of cocaine or the amphetamines. It has
been reported that the psychosis of chronic methylphenidate
intoxication is identical to the paranoid psychosis
of amphetamine intoxication.
Unlike other stimulants, however, methylphenidate has
not been clandestinely produced, although abuse of this
substance has been well documented among narcotic addicts
who dissolve the tablets in water and inject the mixture.
Complications arising from this practice are common
due to the insoluble fillers used in the tablets. When
injected, these materials block small blood vessels,
causing serious damage to the lungs and retina of the
eye.
[Abstracted from D.E.A. website q.v.]
| RITALIN |
| Effects |
| Ritalin is legitimately prescribed
to millions of children (and even adults) for treatment
of ADD. In such patients, its effects are said to
be "paradoxical".....having a calming effect on
them and improving their ability to concentrate
on tasks. In "normal" persons, the drug is a STIMULANT
.... causing increased energy, euphoria, loss of
appetite and insomnia! The stimlant effects are
what create the market for abusers! |
| Incidence
of Abuse |
| Not thought to be high because Ritalin is perceived
to be "inferior" to amphetamines. Anyone have statistics???
There are frequent reports of parents using and
abusing Ritalin which has been prescribed for a
child diagnosed with A.D.D. |
| Chemical
Name |
| Methylphenidate |
| Forms
and Street Names |
| |
| Preferred
routes of administration |
| Manufactured as tablets but frequently dissolved
in water and injected inspite of the known severe
consequences of injecting! |
| Length
of time detectable after user |
| 2-4 days! Ritalin has a fairly short half life,
requiring B.I.D. dosing. A timed release (Ritalin
LA) product is available which delays absorption
but, once absorbed has a fairly short half life.
|
| Metabolite
Actually sought in urine |
| |
| Any
Published Testing Protocols |
| [Please email if able to provide reference or
more info] |
| Screening
Cut-off: |
| |
| Confirmation
GC/MS Cut-off: |
| |
| Facts
for Verifying M.R.O |
| |
|
