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Ritalin is the brand name for methylphenidate. Although introduced way back in 1956, experts still aren’t sure exactly how it works. It is a stimulant. Methylphenidate affects the way a patient’s brain responds to impulses. The purpose is to help the brain be more selective in the way it filters and responds to various stimuli. Ritalin is used to treat narcolepsy, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
A person with ADHD feels like they are bombarded with stimuli and are unable to filter them and deal with them one by one. The responses to all of these impulses are impulsive and reflexive and beyond the patient’s control. Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls are. Girls are generally not as hyperactive or impulsive as boys, behaviors that can lead to intervention by teachers and parents.
Ritalin helps enable the patient to focus on one thing at a time. Instead of being overwhelmed by everything happening at once. The person is enabled to filter out the distractions and focus on whatever task they have undertaken.
The short-term effects of Ritalin are increased attentiveness and energy, a feeling of well being, faster heartbeat and breathing, high blood pressure, perspiration, dilated pupils and dry mouth. The user may be more talkative, restless and excited. They may feel powerful, superior, aggressive, and even hostile. They might exhibit bizarre, repetitive behavior. Large doses can produce flushing, tremors and hallucinations. Death can be caused due to burst blood vessels, heart failure and fever. Violence is a leading cause of amphetamine-related deaths. Long-term effects for chronic heavy users are malnutrition and amphetamine psychosis, a mental illness. Violent tendencies can develop after long regular use.
Ritalin is available in both short acting and sustained release doses. Short-acting Ritalin is available in 5 to 20 milligram tablets. In as little as 20 minutes it takes effect. This effect peaks in 45 minutes to an hour and is gone in 3 to 4 hours. Sustained-release Ritalin, (Ritalin-SR) works slower and more gradually. The drug starts working in about 90 minutes. It works for 6 to 8 hours. Ritalin can produce psychological and physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, long fitful sleep, excess hunger, irritability, depression and violence.
The United Nations, upon noticing the high rate of Ritalin use in the United States, conducted a study. It found that between 10 and 12 percent of adolescent boys in America are on Ritalin. At the same time as parents are promoting the “Just Say No to Drugs” slogan, they are encouraging a daily “fix” for their hard to handle youth. Opponents of Ritalin see it as a new way for teachers to regain control in the classroom. Once upon a time the teacher had many weapons with which to reprimand students. In our politically correct culture of youth, Ritalin is used as a non-violent strap and restraint.
On the other side, many parents will testify that since their children have been on Ritalin there has been a marked improvement in several areas. These young people are now able to concentrate on their studies and enjoy the satisfaction of being able to keep up with their peers. These students also enjoy a better relationship with society in general.
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