Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a Schedule II substance, has a high potential for
abuse and produces many of the same effects as cocaine or the
amphetamines. The abuse of this substance has been 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. Binge use,
psychotic episodes, cardiovascular complications, and severe
psychological addiction have all been associated with
methylphenidate abuse.
Methylphenidate is used legitimately in the treatment of excessive
daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, as is the newly
marketed Schedule IV stimulant, modafinil (Provigil®). However;
the primary legitimate medical use of methylphenidate (Ritalin®,
Methylin®, Concerta®) is to treat attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The increased use of
this substance for the treatment of ADHD has paralleled an
increase in its abuse among adolescents and young adults who
crush these tablets and snort the powder to get high. Youngsters
have little difficulty obtaining methylphenidate from classmates
or friends who have been prescribed it. Greater efforts to
safeguard this medication at home and school are needed.
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