Ritalin is the trade name for methylphenidate. As a central nervous system stimulant, Ritalin affects the chemicals in the brain. It's used in the treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and narcolepsy.

Ritalin is the trade name for methylphenidate. As a central nervous system stimulant, Ritalin affects the chemicals in the brain. It's used in the treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and narcolepsy.

History and Uses

Ritalin was first marketed in 1957. It's among the oldest of all medical treatments used to treat ADHD. Of all the medical treatments for ADHD, Ritalin is the most studied drug. There have been hundreds of studies involving school-age children. They indicated that Ritalin is an effective drug for children and adults with ADHD. Because of the short- and long-term side effects of the medication, some people express concern about the drug's safety.

Dosage

Therapeutic dosage of Ritalin begins at 5 to 10 mg, 1 to 3 times a day for children older than 6, and can go as high as 60 mg daily for adults. Taken as prescribed, people don't become addicted to Ritalin at the treatment dosage. It's believed that Ritalin works by normalizing the amount of dopamine in the brain. Ritalin's exact mode of action is unknown. For most people, Ritalin acts as a stimulant, but for people with ADHD, it calms them and enables them to focus better.

Ritalin is a Controlled Substance

Ritalin is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule II substances have a high potential for abuse. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, college students report using Ritalin to help them study and adults have used children to obtain prescriptions they then took themselves. Those who misuse Ritalin attempt to increase its effects by crushing the tablets and either snorting it or dissolving it in water and injecting it intravenously. Illegal Ritalin use can be very dangerous, with effects similar to those caused by cocaine and amphetamines.

Controversy

A great deal of controversy surrounds Ritalin. Because of diagnoses of ADHD in recent years and the potential for misdiagnosis, some people feel Ritalin is over-prescribed to schoolchildren. Because there is no definitive test for ADHD, it's important to have a medical professional make the correct diagnosis. Proponents of Ritalin observe dramatic improvements in academic and social performance, focus and mood.

How to Decide Whether to Give Ritalin to a Child or Adult

Sometimes the strong opinions people hold about Ritalin use are based on what they have read and heard from others. While no one wants to put a child on medication if it's not necessary, the reality is that for children with ADHD, properly diagnosed by a professional, Ritalin can be a big help. It's often used with psychotherapy, and children and their parents report a greatly improved quality of life. Ritalin should only be taken under medical supervision.