Drug Profile: Ritalin

Manufacturer: Novartis

Generic Name: methylphenidate

Other Brands: Metadate, Concerta, Methylin

Forms:  tablets (immediate release) and capsules (extended release)

Street Names: R-Ball, Smart Drug, Vitamin R, Smarties,

Appearance (What does Ritalin look like?):  Immediate release: Round tablets of varying colors: green with an imprint of “CIBA” on one side and “3” on the other (10 mg); yellow with an imprint of “CIBA” on one side and “5” on the other (5 mg); yellow with an imprint of “CIBA” on one side and “34” on the other (20 mg); white with a black marking of “CIBA 16” on one side (20 mg).  Extended release: Capsules of varying colors: yellow with an orange marking of “NVR R30” (30 mg); white with an orange marking of “NVR R20” (20 mg); brown with an orange marking of “NVR R40” (40 mg); and brown and white with an orange marking of “NVR R10” (10 mg).

Pharmacological Class: Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant

Medical Uses:   Most commonly used in the treatment of narcolepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and attention deficit disorder (ADD).

Mechanism:  Although not thoroughly understood, it is believed that Ritalin activates the cortex and brain stem arousal system.

Availability: Schedule 2 (Read Drug Scheduling and the DEA)

FDA Pregnancy Category:  Category C (Read FDA Pregnancy Drug Categories)

Addiction Potential:  High

Possible Side Effects:  Swelling of throat, lips, tongue, or face; difficulty breathing; hives; lightheadedness; hallucinations; rash; fever; headache; loss of appetite; weight loss; insomnia; anxiety; muscle twitches; sweating; poor vision; nausea; bruising easily; dizziness; stomach pain; hypertension leading to arrhythmias, convulsions, shortness of breath, disorientation, a buzzing sound in the ears; and/or chest pain; sore throat; fast heart rate; cold hands and feet; tingling or numbness in extremities; aggression.  May slow growth rate in children (seven to ten years of age) who take Ritalin regularly.

Possible Withdrawal Symptoms: Withdrawal can vary in length of time and severity; may be worse if the drug has not been used as prescribed (i.e., abused). Potential symptoms include depression, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, agitation, increased appetite, strange dreams, suicidal ideation or attempts, increased desire to sleep, and psychomotor changes.

Warning Signs of Abuse:  Using more often than prescribed, using a higher dose than prescribed; crushing tablets and snorting or injecting Ritalin; trading Ritalin for other addictive substances; collecting large amounts of Ritalin to avoid withdrawal; taking Ritalin after a physician advises you to stop.

Signs of Overdose:  Dry nose and mouth, disorientation, fainting, vomiting, motor tics, pounding or racing heart, agitation, sweating, hallucinations, blurred vision.  An overdose can cause death so get immediate medical attention or contact a poison control hotline.

Controversies Related to Ritalin:

• Like Adderall and Focalin, Ritalin may be abused by college students who are studying for exams or others in need of an extended period of intense focus (Read What You and Your Young Adult Need to Know about Campus Life).
• As a prescription medication, Ritalin may be found by teens or others looking for an easy high from someone’s medicine cabinet (Read Think Locking the Liquor Cabinet is Enough? Think Again)