What is Ritalin used for?

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What is Ritalin? Ritalin ( methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Ritalin is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy.

Is Ritalin addictive?

Ritalin is the trade name for methylphenidate, a stimulant of the central nervous system used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It can be very addictive, especially when misused or taken via alternate methods, such as by injection or snorting.

Is Ritalin a “smart drug?

Ritalin is often referred to as a “smart drug” and abused for its reputation of improving school performance, even though such use of methylphenidate remains a highly debated topic (Frati et al., 2015)

What is the best way to take Ritalin?

Ritalin tablets and Ritalin SR tablets should be taken at least 30 to 45 minutes before a meal. Extended-release Ritalin LA capsules can be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your medicine label. Do not crush, chew, or break a sustained-release tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.

What is the duration of action of Ritalin-SR tablets?

Ritalin-SR tablets have a duration of action of approximately 8 hours. Therefore, Ritalin-SR tablets may be used in place of Ritalin tablets when the 8-hour dosage of Ritalin-SR corresponds to the titrated 8-hour dosage of Ritalin. Ritalin-SR tablets must be swallowed whole and never crushed or chewed.

What are the side effects of Ritalin SR?

Clinical Impact Concomitant use of MAOIs and CNS stimulants, including Ritalin and Ritalin-SR can cause hypertensive crisis. Potential outcomes include death, stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, ophthalmological complications, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, and renal failure.

Marketed under numerous brand names, the best known of which is Ritalin, methylphenidate and other amphetamines function as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, and have been FDA approved for the treatment of both childhood and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy in adults.

What are the side effects of Ritalin?

Ritalin side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Ritalin: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: signs of heart problems – chest pain, trouble breathing, feeling like you might pass out;

What is the recommended dosage of Ritalin?

Medically reviewed on January 5, 2017. Dosage should be individualized according to the needs and responses of the patient. Tablets: Administer in divided doses 2 or 3 times daily, preferably 30 to 45 minutes before meals. Average dosage is 20 to 30 mg daily. Ritalin should be initiated in small doses, with gradual weekly increments.