Methylphenidate(Ritalin)

Drug investigationBy: Amanda Palumbo

Name of Drug

Chemical name: Methylphenidate

Brand name: Ritalin

› Other brand names: Concerta, Methylin ER,

Methadate ER and CD

Street names:› Vitamin R, Rids, Smarties, kibbles and bits, and R-

ball

Action of Methylphenidate

Stimulant› CNS› Changes natural substances in the brain

Release and increase dopamine Causes increased concentration,

alertness and focus. Also helps with sleepiness

Produces mental and behavioral effects in children and some adults

Schedule rating of methylphenidate

It is a schedule II controlled substance

High potential for abuse

› This substance has potential for abuse› may lead to severe psychological and

physical dependence.

ADD and ADHD

Ritalin or methylphenidate is known to help control symptoms of children and some adults with ADD and ADHD

› Difficulty focusing› Controlling actions and remaining still

or quiet than other people of the same age

History

First synthesized in 1944 and known as MPH

Trademark Named Ritalin in 1948› Owned originally by CIBA› now Novartis Corporation

195o it was improved and 1954 it started being tested on humans

First licensed by FDA in 1955 1957 Ciba Pharmaceutical Company began

marketing MPH to treat chronic fatigue, depression, and narcolepsy

History Continued 1960 :

› try counteract symptoms of barbiturate over dose Barbiturate- CNS depressant that causes

relaxation and sleepiness

› Focus became on the treatment of hyperkinetic syndrome which later became called ADHD Ritalin use to treat ADHD increased in the

1970s and early 1980s 1991-1999 Ritalin sale increased 500

percent in the US

Medical Use To treat ADD and ADHD (Attention deficit

Hyperactivity disorder)› Help those who suffer from ADD and ADHD

focus To treat Narcolepsy and some times

depression. › Narcolepsy- daytime sleepiness and sudden

sleep attacks

Usually given a gradual dosage throughout the day and needs to be strictly followed› Important to be accompanied with a snack

or a meal

Physiological effects

Appetite Suppression Increased heart rate and blood

pressure Feelings of being energized

› Wakefulness› heightened alertness

Psychological Effects

Could be more outgoing than usual (talkative and social)

Could have opposite effect on people with ADHD › Calming effect› Some may experience drowsiness

Behavioral Changes

Possible Side effects Dependency (addiction) Insomnia Nervousness Loss of appetite

› Could lead to anorexia Growth suppression Could also cause irregular heart beat and

breathing› Heart palpations

Skin rash, fever, nausea, dizziness, headache, and abdominal pain

Generalized Anxiety

Overdose Signs and Symptoms Restlessness Tremor Aggression Hallucinations Panic states Twitches or spasms

(hyperreflexia) Rapid heart beat High blood pressure

Symptoms of Depression

Delusions Dehydration sweating Vomiting Could cause sudden

heart attack in severe cases

Resources http://www.casapalmera.com/articles/signs-and-ef

fects-of-the-methylphenidate-a-drug-also-known-as-ritalin/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000606/

http://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/product/pi/pdf/ritalin_ritalin-sr.pdf

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm

http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/ritalin.asp http://

www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/index.html