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When prescription drugs are abused, research has proven that Ritalin
is emerging as the pill of choice. Ritalin, also known as methylphenidate,
is a powerful stimulant in the same category of cocaine and amphetamines.
Ritalin is intended to treat people with attention deficit/hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD), and attention deficit disorder (ADD). The drug
stimulates a chemical reaction in the brain enabling them to focus
their attention. However, college students that have not been diagnosed
with ADHD, or ADD are attempting to misuse this potential harmful
drug. At campuses nationwide, Ritalin has continued to provoke interest
amongst college students since the early 1990’s. The production
of the drug increased by more than 700 percent between 1990 and
1997.
Students are discovering other purposes for the potential harmful
drug of Ritalin. Ritalin comes in tablets of dosages between 5 and
20 milligrams. Some students crush the tablets and snort the powder.
Students have reported that the "buzz" they get from the
drug helps them stay awake while they study. Some college females
may be using the drug to suppress their appetites while deteriorating
their health. There has been an increase in emergency room visits
associated to Ritalin abuse over the past decade, according to the
Drug Abuse Warning Network. There were 271 Ritalin-related emergency
room visits in 1990 and 1,478 visits in 2001. On September 10, 2002
students at Senior High School near Los Angeles were hospitalized
for overdosing on Ritalin during school hours. In addition, police
arrested a 14-year-old female student who was accused of supplying
them.
Nevertheless, there are several health risks that are attributed
to taking the Ritalin. Ritalin heath concerns can range from moderate
side effects to death. When college students who take Ritalin to
help them study, the adverse effects they experience may include
nervousness, dry mouth, melancholy, lethargy, insomnia, headaches,
loss of appetite, and inability to sleep. Mental and physical dependence
could develop with regular use. When students choose to use Ritalin
long-term, it may result in changes of mood, confusions, delusions,
hallucinations, and weight loss. However, when a student takes a
high dosage of Ritalin, common symptoms consist of tremors, and
paranoia. There are several additional signs of Ritalin overdose
that include many of the following: agitation, fever, convulsions
or seizures, false sense of well being, increase blood pressure,
muscle twitching, increased sweating, and vomiting are all possible
symptoms. Although death is uncommon with Ritalin, there have been
incidences where students have died after snorting the drug.
For additional information on Ritalin, please contact Health Services
at 255-4850. The following are websites that will give you a better
understanding of Ritalin.
Websites and Links
CNN
- Ritalin abuse scoring high on college illegal drug circuit
National
Institute on Drug Abuse - Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
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