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Long-Term Effects of Ritalin Abuse

Ritalin (methylphenidate) is most often prescribed to treat children with ADHD and ADD. It is also used to treat narcolepsy. Because it is a powerful stimulant, it is also abused. On the street, it is often called Kibbles and Bits and Pineapple. Ritalin poses an addiction risk only when taken in large amounts. If the drug is abused, it can cause serious short- and long-term health problems.

  1. How It Works

    • Ritalin is a more powerful stimulant than caffeine, but it is less powerful than amphetamines. It works by stimulating the central nervous system to increased activity, revving up the neurotransmitter dopamine and activating the brain stem. It is usually taken orally, but abusers most often crush the pills into a powder, then snort it like cocaine or inject it like heroin.

    Effects on the Brain

    • There have been no clinical studies performed on the long-term effects on the brains of adults or children who use safe doses of Ritalin. However, there have been plenty of studies on the effects of long-term stimulant abuse on the brain. Studies done by the National Institute of Mental Health show that people who abuse Ritalin and other stimulants have a greater chance of developing a mental disorder later in life, especially a bipolar disorder such as schizophrenia. In addition, they may suffer from spontaneous hallucinations, feelings of paranoia and nervousness.

    Effects on the Body

    • Long-term side effects from the abuse of Ritalin include loss of appetite that can lead to malnutrition, muscle seizures, heart murmurs or cardiac arrest, fevers and headaches, and the development of obsessive habits, such as nervous hand-wringing. The body will become addicted to the drug, making it very hard to stop taking it.

    Short-Term Side Effects

    • Short-term side effects from taking large amounts of Ritalin usually include the inability to sleep or eat, vomiting, heart palpitations, elevation of blood pressure, a skin rash with itching, pain in the stomach, hallucinations, dizziness and even seizures leading to death.

    Other Effects

    • Although Ritalin is not an illegal drug, the addiction and abuse of the drug can lead to illegal activities or even the use of other, more potent and even illegal drugs. If abusing Ritalin, it is important to see a doctor to work out a plan to gradually stop taking the medication, as complete withdrawal can be dangerous.

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