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Ritalin
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Ritalin is a mild central nervous system stimulant that triggers the brain stem arousal system and the cerebral cortex. It increases the norepinephrine and the dopamine at the central nervous system synapses. Ritalin blocks the reuptake of dopamine. It is similar chemically and pharmacologically to the amphetamines. The generic name for Ritalin is methylphenidate. It is currently used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, narcolepsy, with mild depression in the elderly and cancer patients, and to increase the action of antidepressant medication in treatment resistant depression. Recently, Ritalin has been used experimentally with stroke patients (Wright, 1997). A normal dose of methylphenidate is between fifteen and thirty milligrams per day in divided doses. The drug takes effect in half an hour to one hour; it’s effects last four to six hours with the regular tablets and up to eight hours with the extended release tablets. On-going research is confirming if the slow release or the original Ritalin is better at controlling symptoms. Ritalin must be taken on a very precise schedule to receive maximum benefits. Metabolism occurs in the liver and excretion occurs in the kidneys. Almost ninety-five percent of a dose can be recovered as metabolites in the urine within ninety hours. Noven Pharmaceuticals is developing a transdermal patch that releases a therapeutic dose of methylphenidate for up to twenty- four hours. Ritalin is not recommended for use during pregnancy; it is unknown if it passes through breast milk (Wright, 1997). The benefits of Ritalin are it controls distractibility, increases social skills, emotional state and behavior, allows the clients to concentrate, organize their thoughts, increases motor control, and allows them to pay attention. Ritalin has been used since the 1950’s to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; approximately ninety percent of people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder use Ritalin to control their symptoms. It produces a calming effect in people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Ritalin affects performance so patients need to be advised against driving or operating machinery (Wright, 1997). Side effects of methylphenidate are decreased appetite while drug is in the system, therefore leading to weight loss, and mild insomnia can be a possibility if the last dose is given too close to bedtime.
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