Ritalin is often prescribed for children and adults who have been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) It increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine – brain neurotransmitters that help with regulating motivation, attention and reward. The medication can also be used to treat narcolepsy.
Ritalin, a brand name for methylphenidate, helps reduce hyperactivity and increase focus. The brain neurotransmitters treated by Ritalin affect how well a person concentrates. It is part of the class of medications known as stimulants.
Ritalin is classified as a Schedule II drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act because of the high potential for abuse. While less common than other stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamines, the potential for addiction to Ritalin increases when the medication is used in a way not prescribed by a doctor.
Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant that help decrease hyperactivity and impulsiveness and increase attention. When treating narcolepsy, it helps improve wakefulness.
Ritalin dosage varies but the common starting dosage for children is usually 5mg twice daily, which can be increased each week up to a maximum of 60mg a day. For adults, common dosage ranges from 20mg to 30mg a day, divided into two to three doses. For narcolepsy, the dosage ranges between 20mg and 60mg a day.
Common side effects of Ritalin use are insomnia, nervousness, weight loss, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Though less common, serious side effects include high blood pressure, heart palpitations, increased heart rate, mood changes, hallucinations, severe anxiety, depression and paranoia. Ritalin should only be used as prescribed and negative side effects should be reported to your doctor.
Abuse of Ritalin can lead to physical and psychological dependence, which means that a person needs to use the medication to function normally. It is essential to use the medication as directed and share any concerns with your healthcare provider. Identifying the signs of abuse can help with early intervention in the recovery process.
Some common signs of Ritalin addiction are:
If you or someone you know is showing signs of Ritalin abuse, it is important to seek professional help. Dependence on stimulants like Ritalin can have damaging effects on your well-being.
Addiction to Ritalin is seen when someone becomes physically or psychologically dependent on the medication – they cannot function without it and need higher or more frequent doses to achieve the same effect. Addiction includes cravings, compulsively thinking about the drug, loss of control over using the drug even if you want to stop, prioritizing drug use over other responsibilities, withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug and continued use of the medication despite side effects and negative consequences.
Following prescribed dosage, understanding the potential risks of misuse and communicating with a doctor to be sure to follow medication guidelines will all reduce the risk of dependence and addiction. Medication should never be stopped abruptly, and medical assistance should be sought once you are ready to stop using Ritalin.
Making the courageous decision to seek addiction treatment is the first step in the recovery process. A comprehensive assessment will help determine the degree of dependency and measure a persons’ specific needs for treatment to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
Supervised medical detoxification can help manage withdrawal symptoms. Medication like Ritalin should never be stopped abruptly, and detox should be closely monitored by medical professionals. Withdrawal can be uncomfortable if not managed with help. Tapering the dosage of Ritalin will be adjusted to a person’s specific needs based on the level of dependency.
Once detox is complete, treatment will continue in either an inpatient or outpatient setting depending on the person and the nature of addiction.
If you or a loved one is struggling with Ritalin abuse, help is available. Please reach out to one of our compassionate admissions team members to learn about treatment options.
This website offers educational information and self-help tools for your personal use. However, everyone’s health needs are unique. To make the best and safest decisions for yourself, please consult with a doctor or licensed professional.
