Methylphenidate,
a Schedule II substance, has a high potential
for abuse and produces many of the same effects
as cocaine or amphetamine. The abuse of this
substance has been documented among narcotic addicts
who dissolve the tablets in water and inject the
mixture. Complications arising from this practice
are common due to the insoluble fillers used in
the tablets. When injected, these materials block
small blood vessels, causing serious damage to
the lungs and retina of the eye. Binge use, psychotic
episodes, cardiovascular complications, and severe
psychological addiction have all been associated
with methylphenidate abuse.
Methylphenidate is used legitimately in the treatment
of excessive daytime sleepiness associated with
narcolepsy, as is the newly marketed Schedule
IV stimulant, modafinil (Provigil®). However;
the primary legitimate medical use of methylphenidate
(Ritalin®, Methylin®, Concerta®) is
to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) in children. The increased use of this
substance for the treatment of ADHD has paralleled
an increase in its abuse among adolescents and
young adults who crush these tablets and snort
the powder to get high. Youngsters have little
difficulty obtaining methylphenidate from classmates
or friends who have been prescribed it. Greater
efforts to safeguard this medication at home and
school are needed.
Source: DEA
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