Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a central nervous system stimulant prescribed to treat narcolepsy and attention-deficit disorders. It was patented in 1950 by the CIBA Pharmaceutical Company and was approved by the FDA, (Federal Drug Association), in 1955. It is classified in the DSM IV as a "highly addictive controlled substance" along with cocaine, due to its amphetamine-like effects. It increases the attention span of children with Attention-Deficit Disorder/Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD). It also decreases restlessness, helps the child sit calmly and allows he or she to focus. It enables the patient to retain information and decrease spontaneous behavior. It lasts for approximately 6-8 hours. It is taken in tablet form in 5, 10 and 20 mg doses taken 1-3 times daily or as sustained release tablets in 20 mg dosages taken once a day. Approximately 90% of the world's Ritalin (methylphenidate) is used in the U.S. and currently over two million people are tak!ing it (Nuovo, Jim p1). Ritalin is an overprescribed drug, which is often given to children who are improperly diagnosed as hyperactive. Methylphenidate consists of numerous inactive ingredients other than the two enantiomers of
http://www.drugs.indiana.edu/publications/iprc/factline/ritalin.html n orally because hydrochloric acid is a digestive enzyme in the stomach. Abusing methylphenidate can cause permanent chemical changes in the brain. A drug must reach the brain quickly to cause addiction. When taken orally, Ritalin takes approximately one hour to reach the brain. When it is snorted or injected, it reaches the brain at a much faster rate, causing addiction. Since so many kids are falsely diagnosed with ADHD, they sell their medications to their peers. Selling Ritalin illegally is a Class A Felony. Withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, depression, over-activity and irritability, ADHD symptoms appear and are more severe than before (Breggin, Peter). methylphenidate. Enantiomers are two versions of the same compound, which are non-superimposable, mirror images of eachother. These mirror images indicate the property of chilrality. They always occur in pairs. The enantiomers are D-threo and L-threo. The D-threo specifically targets the "basal ganglia - involved in the drug's therapeutic effect" (Corrina Wu, p1), while the L-threo distributes itself over the entire brain. The other inactive ingredients include D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Green No. 3, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, starch, sucrose, talc and tragacanth. Bailey, William J. "Fact line on Non-Medical Use of Ritalin (methylphenidate.)" ------------------------------------------------------------------------
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