Methylphenidate, a prescription, mental stimulant, goes by many brand names, including the generic name Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Concerta and Methylin; however, most people are familiar with Ritalin. You may be surprised to discover that Ritalin is a stimulant and not a sedative since most people associate this drug with treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, methylphenidate is not the same type of stimulant as caffeine or sugar, it doesn’t stimulate the brain in a manner that produces hyperactivity but, in fact, it does quite the opposite.

It is actually not quite known how Ritalin acts upon the brain, but it is believed that Ritalin somehow corrects an imbalance of the neurotransmitters (brain cell pathways) and hormones dopamine and serotonin. Neurotransmitters relay and modulate signals between a neuron (brain cell) and another cell. Ritalin seems to function by inhibiting dopamine blockers in the brain and simultaneously increasing dopamine production. Since dopamine and serotonin are two of the brain’s transmitters that communicate with the logical, rational portions of the brain and help to reduce impulsivity, Ritalin enhances a person’s ability to reason, control his or her behavior, learn better at school and interact with peers and family.

What Is Ritalin Used For?

Most likely, you are aware that the generic Ritalin is used to treat ADHD since this is its most common application. However, Ritalin has several other uses as well. Ritalin is sometimes prescribed for people with CFS or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, whereby sufferers experience extreme physical and mental fatigue, intellectual difficulty, muscle pain and arthritis. It is also used to treat people who suffer from the sleep disorder known as narcolepsy, which is characterized by EDS, or Excessive Daytime Sleepiness. During EDS, a person experiences micro-sleep, which is similar to a tiny, undetectable blackout, a sudden onset of sleep and persistent need for sleep even after several hours of uninterrupted nighttime sleep.

Typically, Ritalin is prescribed for children and teenagers who are experiencing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is characterized by a number of symptoms in the young child including hyperactivity, an inability to focus strictly on one task, aggressiveness, impatience and a plethora of other challenging traits. ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder, is a similar condition in that a child finds it very difficult to focus on a particular activity; however, hyperactive behaviors are not present. Both of these conditions can make it very difficult for a child to learn at school, develop social skills and interact well with peers and family.

What Are the Dangers of Ritalin?

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, the decision to place him or her on Ritalin is undoubtedly a difficult one. Furthermore, people with little or no experience or knowledge of the drug often tend to repeat misconceptions about Ritalin, making it even more difficult for parents to use medical treatment for their child. That is why it is always important to refer to your child’s attending pediatrician or physician when asking for clarification about Ritalin. It is wise never to depend upon a layperson for this information, even those whose own children have taken the drug since children react differently to Ritalin.

That said, methylphenidate is not recommended for people with heart conditions, overactive thyroid gland, or who are suffering from Tourette’s Syndrome or excessive anxiety. Although Ritalin is proven to have positive consequences for children suffering from ADHD, it can also produce negative side effects such as hallucinations, mood swings, nervousness, headaches and diarrhea. It is now confirmed that Ritalin does have a long-term effect on height and weight which was previously believed to be untrue.

The American Food and Drug Association (FDA) has reported that between 1999 and 2003, a possible 51 ADHD deaths, including some related directly to the use of Ritalin, occurred in the United States. Ritalin or methylphenidate is highlighted as a likely drug source for an ADHD related death due to its serious side effects which include symptoms such as high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

Since Novartis AG is the producer of Ritalin in the United States several new lawsuits are being launched against this corporation in relation to issues such as accumulation of medical bills, serious injury and deaths due to Ritalin use. Under the products liability law manufacturers are held to strict legal liability standards. This means that even if Novartis AG committed no direct negligible act or wrong doing, it can still be held accountable for damages and deaths due to Ritalin use.

What Are My Rights in Regard to a Ritalin Lawsuit?

First you need an experienced and capable personal injuries lawyer. By completing the “Contact Us” form located on this page, you will receive information from lawyers in your area who are expertised in product liability and are able to assist you. This person will assist you in filing a lawsuit against Novartis AG for personal and physical damages induced by methylphenidate. It is important to be aware of your state’s statute of limitations relating to time limits regarding the filing of a suit. A statute of limitations means that you cannot file suit against Novartis AG regardless of injury or death after a certain amount of time has passed.

A History of Novartis AG Lawsuits

If you are seriously considering filing suit against Novartis you aren’t alone. Since the 1980s there have been many lawsuits filed against Novartis AG and other American corporations due to Ritalin use and promotion. In 2000, several major Ritalin lawsuits were filed against Novartis AG, not for personal injury, but for fraudulent claims in the “over-promotion of ADHD and Ritalin”. Further to this it was alleged that Novartis, the American Psychiatric Association and CHADD, a group receiving money from pharmaceutical companies, conspired together in the ongoing promotion of ADHD and Ritalin.

Should I File Suit Against Novartis AG?

That decision needs to be made between you and your attorney. Consider filing suit if you have suffered serious, long-term side effects, considerable financial stress, or have lost a loved one most likely due to the use of methylphenidate, or Ritalin.

Complete the “Contact Us” form located on this page to receive information from lawyers in your area who are expertised in product liability, statute of limiations and are able to review your information.

Ritalin is a safe and effective drug when people with conditions such as ADHD and narcolepsy use it – in part because a doctor monitors the ongoing use of Ritalin ensuring a proper dosage. It is when a person without these two conditions uses Ritalin that it no longer serves a medicinal purpose. Instead it becomes an addictive and illegal substance. College students refer to it as “R-ball” or “Vitamin R”.

Ritalin tablets are taken much in the same manner as other drugs (“sport snorting”). Consequently, methylphenidate can also be injected into the veins along with heroin and cocaine. Ritalin has become increasingly available on the streets in recent years. Its abuse is growing at an alarming rate. Although no actual studies have been done to verify the approximate percentage of methylphenidate abuse, it is suspected that it is almost as common as methamphetamine, or meth.

Why Would Someone Abuse Ritalin?

There are many reasons as to why a person would not only use Ritalin, also known as methylphenidate, but also abuse it. Generally, most abusers are seeking euphoria and weight loss. Still others are seeking wakefulness and the ability to focus more clearly. Ritalin in fact has been disparagingly referred to as “kiddy cocaine” due to its stimulant effect on children.

Ritalin is a stimulant drug and when abused it is known to cause a potent “high” in the abuser. Sometimes a person who is legally prescribed Ritalin and who is taking the drug as prescribed can inadvertently “abuse” the drug.

The longer a person remains on Ritalin the easier it is to become addicted. Furthermore, the more intense the addiction, the more of the drug that is needed to provide the corrective effects associated with it for ADHD and narcolepsy symptoms. Although the drug is being used legally, this is a manner in which Ritalin can be abused.

How Is Ritalin Illegally Obtained?

Although medical physicians legally prescribe methylphenidate, or generic Ritalin, it has also become a highly popular street drug in recent years. It is purchased in the same manner as other illicit street drugs, through drug “pushers” and people who gain access to Ritalin and then sell it for profit.

Who Illegally Purchases Ritalin?

Anyone who is seeking a synthetic “high” including increased awareness, alertness, attention and energy is likely to purchase the drug. College students in particular are gaining access to methylphenidate due to its ability to keep students focused on studies and to pull “all-nighters” when cramming for examinations.

Another reason a person might illegally obtain Ritalin is due to its weight-loss side effects. People obsessed with losing weight and having a thinner body are likely candidates to to turn to Ritalin and other substances (like clenbuterol).

Unfortunately, any gains that are made by the illegal use of methylphenidate are at the expense of the user’s overall health. Increased heart rate and blood pressure, dangerous effects on neurotransmitters in the brain and other serious side effects occur when the drug is taken and can be more harmful when there is no medical supervision.

Side Effects of Ritalin Abuse

There are many alarming – and life threatening – side effects that accompany Ritalin abuse:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Seizures
• Heart irregularities

Other side effects, though dangerous, are not as life threatening and include:

• High body temperature
• High blood pressure
• Severe twitching
• Excessive sweating

Long-term addiction is an inevitable result of Ritalin abuse. In extreme cases, severe brain damage or even death can result from the abuse of this drug. College kids tend to use it for the euphoric high but also to increase concentration when cramming for examinations. The ability to remain awake all night and to get more work done quickly is another lure for college students and methylphenidate abuse.

Ritalin is among the top controlled stolen substances in the United States. If there is one reassurance about accessing stolen “r-ball” it is that illegal drug labs do not produce methylphenidate. The drug is always produced within legally controlled labs and somehow makes its way out onto the streets.

Ritalin, or methylphenidate, is a stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. It is used to treat a variety of disorders including ADHD, ADD, narcolepsy and chronic fatigue syndrome. Patients who use methylphenidate tend to become more focused, alert, aware and able to control a plethora of symptoms associated with these disorders.

Ritalin belongs to a class of mind-altering drugs known as psychotropic drugs, or amphetamines. Ritalin increases the extra-cellular dopamine levels in the brain causing the user to feel more aware of his or her environment and consequently, the task at hand. At the same time, Ritalin lessens other cells that function in the brain’s “background”, causing even more attention to be placed upon necessary tasks. It achieves this by activating the part of the brain stem and the frontal lobe that either produces or uses dopamine for various functions.

Negative Side Effects on the Brain

For many years, it was believed that Ritalin only had short-term effects on the user as there was no solid research confirming the long-term effects. However, many scientists are beginning to take a closer look at the effects of this drug and if there are any potential concerns or long-term risks. Researchers at the University of Buffalo have conducted an experiment that found that extended Ritalin use affects some functions of the brain. The study was conducted using rats that received Ritalin doses equivalent to the ration of what a child would receive who was using Ritalin for therapeutic purposes.

It was found that the brains of the rats were altered over time, leading to additional questions. While there is still much more research necessary, this opens the door to the fact that there may be effects on cell function that go beyond the short-term effects that we see through the child’s behavior. Continuing research will need to be conducted to determine if those effects are damaging.

Positive Side Effects on the Brain

Some people who argue that since any stimulant of a child or teenager’s brain is undesirable, Ritalin has few if any positive effects. However, it is undeniable that children who successfully use Ritalin show improved academic performance, increased social skills, an ability to focus in and outside of school and an overall improved sense of well-being. Children are sometimes taken off of Ritalin on weekends and during the summer months in order to promote a healthy growth rate.

Physical Side Effects

Appetite Disturbance

One of the most common side effects, changes in appetite are usually most noticeable in younger children. When Ritalin is first introduced, it seems to have the greatest affect on the users appetite. Once the body has become more accustomed to the medicine, appetite usually improves and goes back to normal. If the problem persists, speak with your pediatrician or physician about the possibility of using a lower dosage. There is also the option of using a non-stimulant medication, such as Strattera, which does not affect the appetite.

Stomach Aches

Stomach aches most often occur when the medicine is taken on an empty stomach. To relieve these pains, ensure that the patient receives something to eat prior to taking Ritalin.

Headaches

Another common effect of Ritalin, headaches should improve with time. If they persist, it may be a sign that dosage is too high or a different type of medication would be better. In this case, talk to you pediatrician or physician to explore alternate options. In other cases, headaches are caused from lack of caffeine as many users dramatically decrease caffeine intake when starting Ritalin. This withdrawal headache from caffeine is sometimes mistaken as an effect of the Ritalin.

Stunted Growth

Though it was previously thought untrue, new research has found that long-term use of Ritalin does affect a child’s growth. After three years of using Ritalin, children are approximately 1 inch shorter and 4.4 pounds lighter than their peers. This has been found in the Effects of Stimulant Medication on Growth Rates Across 3 Years in the MTA Follow-Up study, which was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in August 2007.

Rebound

While the medication helps control the symptoms of ADHD while it is active, when it begins to wear off, sometimes there is a rebound period. The behavior that takes place during this rebound period can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual. If difficulty arises as the medicine wears off, talk to you doctor about taking doses closer together, adding a smaller dose after a large final dose or switching to a long-acting stimulant.

Difficulty Sleeping

Prior to starting Ritalin, it is helpful to keep a sleep diary to document any issues with sleep. ADHD can cause difficulty sleeping and a diary will help to determine if the ADHD or the Ritalin is the cause of the problem. A major cause of sleep problems is that the medicine has not worn off by the time the individual is ready to go to sleep. To amend this problem, your pediatrician or physician may recommend a different type of Ritalin that has a different length of effectiveness. This will ensure that the stimulant has worn off by the time the patient is ready for sleep.

Irritability

Irritability is often due to ADHD or another psychiatric disorder, not Ritalin. If it is clearly the Ritalin that is causing this disruption and the irritability is affecting the user’s lifestyle, talk with your pediatrician or physician about possibly reducing the dosage or switching to a different medication.

Anxiety

Traits of anxiety can be increased by the use of Ritalin. If this is the case, it may be best to treat the anxiety and then start Ritalin to treat ADHD or other disorder. Speak with your pediatrician or physician to determine the best choice for you.

Jittery Feelings

Jittery actions and feelings are most commonly a side effect when there is another stimulant present such as caffeine or other stimulant medications. Eliminate any other stimulants and ensure the the user is eating regular meals. If the problems persists, contact your doctor.

Depression

Though more common with long-acting medications, depression is an effect that can occur early or late when using Ritalin. If there is a family history of depression, it may be necessary to treat the depression and then start the use of Ritalin. If Ritalin is causing the depression, your doctor may recommend switching to an alternative medicine.

Blood Glucose Changes

If the user is a diabetic, it is imperative that they keep a close watch on their blood sugar levels. Stimulants can cause an increase in blood sugar. If the user’s appetite has been affected, the lack of food can also affect their blood sugar.

Blood Pressure Changes

Blood pressure concerns usually occur in individuals who are taking high doses of Ritalin. If you have any blood pressure problems, discuss them thoroughly with your doctor prior to using Ritalin.

Paranoia/Psychosis

Psychosis and paranoia are not common side effects of Ritalin, but do occur in some cases. They are often more prevalent with individuals who suffer from bi-polar or other psychotic disorders. Taking a dosage of Ritalin that is too high can also induce these reactions. If these effects occur, stop taking the medication immediately and contact your pediatrician or physician.

Seizures

Individuals with Epilepsy should consult with their doctor prior to taking any stimulants. In many cases, a dosage can be arranged to be taken safely when the Epilepsy is well controlled. Contact your doctor immediately if any seizures occur and stop taking the medication.

Death

Though rare, Ritalin has been known to cause sudden death in a few individuals. While many times there are additional factors that lead to this fatal ending, it is a dangerous effect to be aware of.

If the decision to place a child or teen on methylphenidate isn’t difficult enough, there is also the concern about correct dosage. An incorrect dosage can produce one of two effects. Either there is little or no improvement in behavior and academic function whatsoever or the child appears sedated. The other possibility is very alarming. One child who attended a Kindergarten class went from exhibiting behavior that was extremely aggressive and restless to sitting in the Kindergarten circle during lessons in a slump, shoulders and head facing downwards and the voice a robotic monotone. Of course once the dosage was lightened the child’s behavior improved significantly, but the initial effect was quite disconcerting.

At one time doctors believed it was a simple matter of matching dosage to body weight. It is now understood that body weight has very little to do with Ritalin dosage and/or its effects. It is a matter of matching the dosage amount to how efficiently a child’s brain metabolizes Ritalin rather than simply the child’s body mass.

Beginning Ritalin

Since every child metabolizes Ritalin differently, most doctors choose to begin with the lowest dosage possible, approximately 2.5 mg. The logic behind this is to start small so that the lowest dosage required to show significant improvement in a child can be determined. If this dosage is effective, then there is no need to medicate at a higher dosage. If the child shows very little or no improvement, then the dosage needs to be adjusted to the next level, usually 5 mg or twice the lowest dose. 2.5 mg is a very low dosage. Most children end up receiving a higher dosage as very few children tend to benefit from this amount of drug in their system.

Monitoring Ritalin Dosage

Ongoing monitoring of every child, teen and particularly young children of preschool age, is critical in maintaining an accurate Ritalin dosage. Doctors frequently must rely upon feedback from families and educators. In some cases teachers will use what is known as a “take-home” book with notes containing observations of the child’s in-class behaviors to give to the parents.

The average dosage of Ritalin is between 20 mg and 30 mg daily. It is usually divided into 2 or 3 medication periods during the day. However, with extended release forms of Ritalin, children can take the medicine only once a day, making it easier for both the child and the parents.

Concerns for Long-Term Use

An important fact to remember is that excessive use of Ritalin, over time, can lead to addiction. It is also possible to develop a tolerance to methylphenidate, creating a need for increased amounts of the drug. When a concern develops over either of these issues, it is necessary for a doctor to begin altering or even weaning a child or teen off Ritalin. This should never be undertaken by the family or patient alone.

Note: If you feel your child has been injured because of an incorrect dosage prescribed by a physician, and would like to speak to a lawyer, fill out our contact us form to find a lawyer in your area who is ready to assist you.

First, understand the definition of “product liability”. A product liability, in this case referring to methylphenidate or Ritalin, means that a product you used correctly caused extreme and unusually long-term damage to you or a loved one in some manner. If you indeed have reason to believe that you have been injured due to the correct and medically prescribed usage of Ritalin you need to consider several issues before filing a product liability lawsuit.

What Is the Statute of Limitations?

The statute of limitations determines the length of time in which you have to file suit against the defendant, in this case it will likely be Novartis AG. This statute is different in every state and it doesn’t last long so it is in your best interest to act quickly.

Who Is Eligible?

Anyone who has been damaged through the proper use of Ritalin is eligible to bring suit against Novartis. However, it is wise to have this decision confirmed with your doctor or another medical advisor, especially if you suffer from other disorders or illnesses aside from those for which you were taking Ritalin. Your injuries may be due to a factor other than methylphenidate.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Product Liability Attorney

1. Will it cost me a lot of money to file a Ritalin lawsuit? It depends on your attorney and even on the state where you live. Many product liability cases use a “contingency fee”, meaning your attorney only gets paid in the event that you win your case. If you do win, then your attorney receives a percentage of your settlement.
2. What do I need to provide to my lawyer? There is a long list of documents your lawyer needs in order to accurately represent you in court. Some of these documents include your methylphenidate; medical receipts; copies of your medical records; time you missed from work; a journal wherein you documented all of your experiences since beginning the drug. There may also be other documents your lawyer will ask you to provide.

Finding a Qualified Product Liability Attorney

Frequently word of mouth is a reliable means of finding a good legal representative. A trusted friend or relative who has had cause to use and successfully win a product liability case with an attorney is a good place to start.

If that isn’t possible, go online and search for one. There are a plethora of organizations available in your state that can assist you with your case and even offer you the telephone numbers of former clients who are willing to testify on the law office’s behalf.

Make sure that the lawyer who represents you is a fully qualified graduate of an accredited law school and has passed all required bar exams. Of course it is preferable to find someone who has extensive experience with product liability cases.

By completing the “Contact Us” form located on this page, you will receive information from lawyers in your area who are expertised in product liability and are able to assist you.

Understanding Settlements

It can be more difficult to win a product liability case than you might think. Keeping a journal and documenting everything in terms of your Ritalin use from the time you began it, until the time you discovered personal injury is very wise. If you haven’t done so then begin now.

If you did not use your medication in the proper manner that was suggested to you by both your medical advisor and the instructions that came with the product, then Novartis AG may not be held liable. In other words, if you don’t use the drug properly you will be held responsible for your own injuries and you will not be allotted a settlement.

In the event that you do win your case, congratulations! That said, there are different types of settlements your lawyer may pursue although you may not be awarded all of these:

• Punitive damages – lately many jurisdictions are limiting punitive damages. These damages are brought against the defendant in an effort to dissuade the defendant not to commit any such act again in the future. In many regions there is a constitutional limit on punitive damages; however, this is not true of federal cases.
• Compensatory damages – these damages are the most likely for you to receive in the event that you win your case. They will cover your medical bills and time away from work due to side effects from Ritalin use.
• Pain and suffering – just as the name implies, these damages are brought against the defendant for causing you pain and suffering due to your usage of methylphenidate.
• Loss of consortium – if you and your spouse have suffered in your relationship with one another (including the death of your spouse if he/she was using the drug) then you may also receive damages due to loss of consortium.

A statute of limitations is particular to each region and state in the United States. It has to do with products, including medication, that cause personal injury or death due to its proper usage. Specifically, the statute of limitations sets forth boundaries under which you may or may not file suit against a corporation due to the use of its product.

It is best to consult with a lawyer who is familiar with your state’s Statue of Limitations. If you need assistance finding a lawyer, fill out the “Contact Us” form to receive information on lawyers who are expertised in product liability and statute of limitations, and are able to assist you.

What Type of Limitations Exist?

It depends on where you live. Essentially most statutes insist that you can only file suit during the time that the product has caused you injury. However, there is an allowance for “delayed discovery”, meaning the statute of limitations doesn’t begin until you discover the injury.

What Is Product Liability?

In any given product liability case, including that of methylphenidate, you don’t have to prove negligence. Product liability instead refers to strict liability, meaning that the product was defective, it injured you and it is the result of your injury.

There can be one or there can be several issues in a product liability case including the following:

• The use of a defective product, in this case methylphenidate or Ritalin.
• The use of the product when it was not defective but caused unexpected and extreme harm during usage.
• Harmful side effects if the particular brand of Ritalin you used was not tested accurately.

Who Is Held Responsible?

The manufacturer against whom the lawsuit was filed, in this case Novartis AG may be held responsible if you win your case. If your lawyer also chooses to sue the American Psychological Association (APA) and/or Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), they may also be held liable.

What Types of Damages Will I Recover?

That is entirely dependent upon your individual case, your personal injuries or death of a loved one and the decision of the presiding judge. There are four types of damages you may receive including compensatory, covering your medical bills, pain and suffering, for emotion and physical angst, loss of consortium, meaning negative effects on your relationship with your spouse, and punitive damages, wherein the court’s intention is to ensure the defendant, in this case Novartis AG, never repeats the same offence.

Although there are many known short-term side effects of using methylphenidate, including dangerously high body temperature, irregular heartbeat, high blood temperature, agitation and addiction, the long-term side effects are somewhat uncertain.

Future Drug Abuse

It is believed that those children and teens who are prescribed methylphenidate to treat ADHD symptoms are twice as likely to abuse other drugs later in life, specifically stimulant drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine. However, aside from possible future drug addiction, there is little known about long-term side effects that result from Ritalin use.

Addiction

Certainly the increased probability of addiction to stimulants is very worrisome; however, it does not happen to every child or teen who is prescribed methylphenidate, in fact far from it. There are a good number of children who take Ritalin to treat ADHD symptoms and they do not become addicted to illegal substances in later years.

Stunted Growth

Though it was previously thought untrue, new research has found that long-term use of Ritalin does affect a child’s growth. After three years of using Ritalin, children are approximately 1 inch shorter and 4.4 pounds lighter than their peers. This has been found in the Effects of Stimulant Medication on Growth Rates Across 3 Years in the MTA Follow-Up study, which was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in August 2007.

Brain Function

Ritalin affects on the brain is an area that is gaining more and more attention. While we know that Ritalin affects the brain chemicals and functioning, more questions are being asked as to whether there are any long-term effects on the brain. For more information, please read How Ritalin Affects the Brain.

Illegal Ritalin Use and Long-Term Side Effects

The illegal use of methylphenidate is more worrisome than a prescribed usage by a health care provider. A user who does not understand the immediate and possible long-term risks may be in greater danger through the abuse of Ritalin than children and teens who are placed on the drug with medical supervision. Naturally people who abuse substances with the intention of “getting high,” along with other incentives, are uninterested and possibly unaware of the risks they take upon abusing drugs. The risk of a heart attack leading to death is the most dangerous and sometimes most imminent side effect of methylphenidate when it is used improperly and illegally.

There are a number of unknowns for the general public associated with Ritalin. It is not known precisely how methylphenidate works on the human brain or why it is that most children and teens experience improved concentration, heightened awareness and better self-control over various ADHD symptoms. Ritalin is classified as a Schedule 2 controlled substance, indicating that methylphenidate has a high potential for becoming an addictive drug.

An example of this phenomenon is its abuse by college students in order to retain focus on studies and during classes. It is also alleged that the legal use of Ritalin can lead to a lifetime of drug abuse, particularly through the use of stimulant drugs such as cocaine.

In a study of drug abusers who were cocaine addicts it was found that the users who had been placed on methylphenidate as children for ADHD symptoms were twice as likely to become addicted to cocaine as those who were diagnosed as ADHD but were not treated with Ritalin. Generally Ritalin is abused in tablet form. The tablets are crushed into a powder and snorted, causing the type of immediate high experienced by users of cocaine and heroin.

What Is an Effective Treatment for Ritalin Abuse?

Usually it is a slow decrease that enables Ritalin abusers to stop using the drug and control addiction. This is also known as “weaning”. Another effective manner is to prescribe Ritalin in a different form. It is common to turn methylphenidate into a liquid rather than a tablet in order to decrease the high associated with snorting methylphenidate in powder form.

Healthcare providers are essential in fighting Ritalin addiction. Rehabilitation centers and the support of medical physicians, as well as friends and family, can be life-saving. There are also behavior management therapies that can assist the addict who is abusing methylphenidate. These are frequently known as behavior modification or cognitive therapies. Generally, cognitive therapies assist patients in recognizing high-risk addiction situations and learning how to avoid them. They are also key in assisting a drug addict in remaining drug free after breaking away from methylphenidate addiction.