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Ritalin is a central-nervous-system stimulant highly effective in treating symptoms of Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which include hyperactivity, inattention and/or impulsivity. It can have nasty side effects, including insomnia, depression, decreased appetite, headaches, drowsiness, cramps and convulsions.
 ADHD is a complex syndrome believed to affect between 8% and 12% of school-aged children worldwide. However, there's a well argued school of thought which believes that the condition is over-diagnosed. And the current gold standard drug in terms of treatment – Ritalin (methylphenidate) – is controversial. Ritalin is chemically similar to cocaine, hence the reason why it’s also referred to as “Kiddie Cocaine” or “Kiddie Coke”.
Many parents in South Africa are now wary of using Ritalin, and are looking for alternative options to treat ADHD.
Ritalin is manufactured mainly by CIBA-Geigy Corporation, the same company who patented methylphenidate in 1950. It is supplied in 5 mg., 10 mg., and 20 mg. tablets, and in a sustained release form, Ritalin SR as 20 mg. tablets. It is readily water soluble and is intended for oral use. It is a controlled substance, i.e. the government strictly regulates the amount that may be manufactured, through a system of rigid manufacturing quotas. When abused, Ritalin tablets are taken orally, crushed and then snorted, or dissolved in water and "cooked" for intravenous injection. There are numerous reports in medical journals about permanent and irreversible lung tissue damage related to injection of crushed Ritalin tablets. In order to make the 5- to 20 mg. dose tablets large enough to handle easily, at least 100 mg. of "inert ingredients" are added to the tablets to increase their size. Depending upon size and formulation, the following inert ingredients are found in Ritalin tablets, according to the manufacturer: lactose, starch, polyethelene glycol, magnesium stearate, sucrose, talc, cellulose, mineral oil, and various dyes and conditioning agents. While these ingredients are "inert" when taken by mouth, they can cause serious problems when injected or snorted.
Ritalin and addiction
The amount of addicts in recovery who used Ritalin as children is alarming. This poses two scenarios, either Attention Deficit Disorder ADD is part and parcel of addiction or the effect that Ritalin has on the brain significantly pre-conditions children with the physical memory of the stimulation of dopamine. The physical memory of the chemical effects that Ritalin could be anchored in children only to be awaken later in life when the adult experiments for the first time with dopamine stimulating drugs. The awakened memory could result in immediate dependence with addiction as the result.
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SOME SIDE-EFFECTS OF RITALIN
drug addiction
nervousness and insomnia
loss of appetite
nausea and vomiting
dizziness
headaches
changes in heart rate and blood pressure (usually elevation of both, but occasionally depression)
skin rashes and itching
abdominal pain
weight loss
digestive problems
toxic psychosis
psychotic episodes
severe depression upon withdrawal
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STREET NAMES
Diet Coke
Kiddie Cocaine
Kiddie Coke
Vitamin R
R-Ball
Poor man’s cocaine
Rids
Skittles
Smarties
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ONLINE RESOURCES
http://www.health24.com
http://www.theaac.co.za
http://www.drugfreeworld.org
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