Sign the pledge and lead the way to a drug-free life. Work with others to help spread the truth about drugs. Thank you for subscribing. Sign up for news and updates from the Foundation! Connect with us! The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a nonprofit, international drug education program proudly sponsored by the Church of Scientology and Scientologists all over the world.
To learn more, click here. Who We Are About the Foundation. Start this Course How much do you really know about ritalin abuse? Flip through the Booklet. The Ritalin that is abused in the United States typically is diverted from legitimate sources.
In some cases abusers obtain the drug from peers, friends, or family members. Often individuals who have legitimate prescriptions sell or give away their supply. Ritalin also is acquired through theft--from individuals with legitimate prescriptions or from school medicine dispensaries.
Individuals who abuse Ritalin either swallow the tablets or crush them to produce a powder, which is snorted. Some abusers dissolve the tablets in water and then inject the mixture.
Abuse of Ritalin typically is associated with young people--preadolescents, teenagers, and young adults. The increased use of the drug to treat ADHD--a disorder that is prevalent among young people--has resulted in a corresponding increase in abuse.
The University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future Survey indicates that 4 percent of high school seniors in the United States abused the drug at least once in the past year. Although less common, Ritalin is abused among adults as well. Ritalin, like other central nervous system stimulants, may be habit-forming. If you take a large dose, the quick rise in dopamine can produce a temporary feeling of euphoria. Taking Ritalin in high doses or for a long time can be habit-forming.
If you stop taking it abruptly, you may experience withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal include sleep problems, fatigue, and depression. Ritalin can cause circulation problems. Your fingers and toes may feel cold and painful, and your skin may turn blue or red. If you take Ritalin and experience circulatory problems, tell your doctor. Stimulants can also raise your body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. You may feel jittery and irritable.
Stimulants should be taken with caution if you have pre-existing blood pressure or heart problems. Ritalin may increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Misusing stimulants by crushing pills and injecting them can lead to blocked blood vessels. An overdose can lead to dangerously high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat.
High doses can also lead to life-threatening complications such as heart failure, seizures, and significantly high body temperature. Over time, misuse of Ritalin can lead to malnutrition and related health problems. It may also lead unintentional weight loss. At first, though, Ritalin can increase your breathing slightly and also open up your airways.
However, these drugs can have shortages, so they may not be available at all times. Call your pharmacy ahead of time to find out if your medication is available. These two medications can cause effects in people with certain medical conditions. People with certain health issues may need to avoid taking these drugs.
The chart below lists medical conditions you should discuss with your doctor before taking Adderall or Ritalin. Both medications are pregnancy category C drugs. This means animal studies of the drugs have shown side effects on the fetus. Adderall can pass into breast milk, which means the drug may pass to your child when you breastfeed them. Some studies show that Ritalin can also pass from mother to child through breast milk. These drugs may cause side effects in your child. Talk to your doctor if you take Adderall or Ritalin.
Adderall and Ritalin both interact with certain other drugs. Make sure you tell your doctor about all of the prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbs you take.
This way, your doctor can watch for drug interactions. According to a review of studies spanning 40 years, stimulant medications are effective in treating 70 to 80 percent of children and adults with ADHD. With that being said, there are some minor differences between the two drugs, such as how quickly and how long they work in your body. Work with your doctor to find the best drug for your ADHD.
0コメント