RITALIN AND ADDERALL

Used for the treatment of ADHD

Ritalin Generic name: Methylphenidate Prescribed for the treatment of ADHD

and Narcolepsy Stimulant

Ritalin allows those with ADHD to concentrate and focus better

Ritalin allows those with Narcolepsy to stay awake

Ritalin

Blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine

Effects include: Increased attentiveness, alertness Euphoria and a sense of well being Feelings of invincibility

Adderall

Generic name: Amphetamine

Prescribed for the treatment of ADHD and Narcolepsy

Adderall gives the same effects as Ritalin, but feelings of invincibility are much less common

Street Names

Ritalin

Rids

Skittles

Uppers

Vitamin R

Jif

Rball

Kiddy Coke

Diet Coke

Smarties

Adderall

Speed

Beans

Black Beauties

Dexies

Pep Pills

Uppers

Christmas Trees

Beanies

Double Trouble

Adderall

Adderall stimulates the brain into producing higher amounts of Dopamine

Adderall’s effects on the brain are more gradual than Ritalin

Abuse Taken orally or

crushed and snorted Increases alertness,

energy, attention Increased dopamine

release in higher doses, causing euphoria

Abuse These drugs, especially Ritalin, are

often compared to cocaine when abused in high doses

They activate the same parts of the brain

Abuse by College Students

A concerning epidemic is the use of Adderall and Ritalin by college students

Students use the drug to stay up late and study and for increased concentration on their tests, they believe they accomplish more on these drugs

Abuse by Women

Women commonly abuse these drugs to lose weight

Most people abusing Adderall and Ritalin lose 10 pounds or moreIncreased heart rate and breathing,

ultimately increasing metabolism

How do abusers get these drugs? Those who have ADHD may get a

prescription and sell it $5-$10 per pill It is easy to fake ADHD because there is

no medical test to prove it Some adults take their children’s

prescription and use it or sell it

Side Effects High BP, rapid heart rate Shortness of breath Insomnia Headache Loss of appetite- weight loss Anxiety Confusion Delusions / hallucinations Anger / hostility Withdrawal when stopped

Dangers of Abuse

Respiratory problems (snorting) Nasal Perforation (snorting) Heart Arrhythmia Psychotic episodes Toxic shock Extreme depression Death from overdose

Diagnoses of ADHD on the rise

Diagnosis of ADHD in children has increased by 22% from 2003-2007

Each year since 1997, ADHD diagnoses have increased by 3%

Is this due to increased education of ADHD? Or are we simply over diagnosing active children?

Production of Meds

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) Production:

1990 2000

1768 kg/ year 14,957 kg/ year

Amphetamine (Adderall) Production:

1990 2000

417 kg/ year 9,007 kg/ year

Prescriptions

Ways to Prevent Abuse

Doctor’s need to rule out causation of behaviors before diagnosing ADHD

Alternative remedies for ADHD should be done before prescription is given

Doctors should know patients well enough before giving prescriptions