FACTS ABOUT METHYLPHENIDATE (RITALIN)
1. Ritalin, a less stimulating amphetamine, is a prescription drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
2. As prescribed, it is taken by mouth but when abused it is usually crushed, mixed with saline and injected intravenously (IV). This gives a greater “high” than taking it by mouth.
3. Because it is intended as an oral drug, it is mixed with talc and other things that allow the ingredients to form a pill. When mixed with saline and injected IV, all the ingredients including the talc, which is not soluble in the saline, travel via the veins to the right side of the heart and to the lungs proceeds through progressively smaller vessels until the talc particles reach a blood vessel too small to pass. The blood vessel is blocked and causes damage to a small area of the lung
4. If the user continues to abuse the Ritalin, the lungs become progressively damaged.
5. There is a long acting methylphenidate called Concerta intended to be taken once a day. If Concerta is crushed and swallowed or injected, the drug is not long acting and may result in stimulant overdose. In this case the symptoms will resemble more potent amphetamines such as methamphetamine.
6. If the needles used in injection are dirty or have been used by someone with AIDS, hepatitis B or C, or any other disease causing organism, the user is vulnerable.
7. Use by a pregnant woman may result in a baby with low birth weight as with other stimulants. It is not well researched but logical.
8. Withdrawal is mild with fatigue and depression but usually not severe unless there are prior medical problems to complicate it or the user has overdosed with multiple pills or Concerta.