Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant that is a Schedule II class drug. A stimulant is a substance which raises physiological or nervous system functions. A Schedule II drug is a controlled substance that has a high potential for abuse but also has medicinal value under the supervision of a doctor. A special prescription form is used and is not refillable. A common name methylphenidate is known under is Ritalin.
Street names for methylphenidate include:
- Rids
- Pineapple
- Uppers
- Vitamin R
- Jif
- R-ball
- Kiddy-Cocaine
- Skippy
- Smart Drug
- Smarties
- Kibbles & Bits
- West Coast
- Kibbles and bits
- Diet Coke
- Kiddy Coke
- Skittles
- R Pop
- Coke Junior
- Study buddies
History of Methylphenidate and Trends
Methylphenidate is a commonly prescribed psychostimulant. Methylphenidate is cost effective and has short term benefits. The increase in nervous system activity caused by the drug creates or maintains alertness, relieves fatigue and improves attention. Methylphenidate is prescribed for extreme lethargy, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and obesity.
Methylphenidate was first manufactured in 1944 as a type of stimulant. By the mid 50s it was being prescribed for those who could not stay awake (narcolepsy). Since they could doze off at any time, methylphenidate helped them regulate their sleep cycles. As the years passed and the rise in diagnoses of ADD and ADHD, Ritalin was found to be effective in children and teenagers.
Side effects of methylphenidate:
- Sleeplessness
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal cramps
- Aggression
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Eye problems
- Headache
- Heart problems
- Nausea
- Hypertension
- Pupil dilation
- Weight loss
- Suicidal ideation
- Growth suppression in children
- Convulsions
- Seizures
- Raynaud’s phenomenon
Methylphenidate Abuse & Addiction
Methylphenidate has a high potential for abuse amongst children and teenagers who are prescribed it for ADD or ADHD. Since these people are taking a stimulant from a young age, they become dependent on the drug to function. As more people are prescribed this drug legally, there is a larger supply to be diverted into the illegal drug supply.
The high potential for abuse is because it produces many of the same effects as cocaine or amphetamines. Abusers dissolve the tablets in water and inject the mixture. Health complications arise when fillers that will not dissolve in water block small blood vessels, causing serious damage to the lungs and eyes. Others crush the pills into a powder and snort it. Binging on methylphenidate can produce psychotic episodes, cardiovascular complications, and severe psychological addiction.
Methylphenidate addictive side effects include:
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Deep sleep cycles
- Depression
- Manic behavior
- Suicidal thoughts
- Binge eating
- Hypersensitivity
- Angina
- Libido changes
- Weight gain
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
The withdrawal process to treat an individual who has a methylphenidate addiction includes a medical detoxification over several days to a week. Any withdrawal symptoms like insomnia or anxiety may be treated with supervised medications. Qualified health professionals are needed to carry out this process safely using medications.
Methylphenidate withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Exhaustion
- Severe depression
- Abdominal cramps
- Agitation
- Insomnia
Once the person is safely medically detoxed, a nutritious eating plan is instituted with vitamin and mineral supplements for optimizing physical health. Therapy with qualified professionals begins a few days after detox is complete and physical status will continue to be monitored. Treatment therapy is used to teach new behaviors and skills to help maintain recovery and prevent relapse.
Contact us by calling 877-855-3470 to discuss detox and treatment options for yourself or a loved one. Addiction affects the whole family but does not have to be dealt with alone. Our qualified professionals have the skills and knowledge to help you through this difficult time. It’s important to make an informed choice. We are here to help you and your family heal, get healthy and get ready to enjoy an addiction-free life of joy without drugs.