Ritalin :: essays research papers

methylphenidateAbstract     Ritalin (Methylphenidate) is a mild CNS stimulant. In medicine,Ritalins primary use is treatment of Attention Deficit /Hyperactive disturb(ADHD). The mode of action in humans is not completely understood, except Ritalinpresumably activates the arousal system of the brain stem and the mantle toproduce its stimulant effect. Recently, the frequency of diagnosis for ADHD hasincreased dramatically. more children and an increasing number of adults arebeing diagnosed with ADHD. According to the Drug Enforcement berth (DEA)(Bailey 1995), prescriptions for Ritalin have increased more than 600% in thepast five years. Ritalin has a long history of controversy regarding side cause and potential for abuse, however it greatly benefits those with ADHD.Psychological effects of RitalinRitalin (Methylphenidate) is manufactured by CIBA-Geigy Corporation. Itis supplied in 5 mg., 10 mg., and 20 mg. tablets, and in a sustained releaseform, Ritalin SR, in 20 mg. tablets. It is pronto water soluble and is intendedfor oral use. It is a Schedule II Controlled Substance under both the Federaland Vermont Controlled Substance Acts. Ritalin is in the first place used in thetreatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactive disorder (ADHD) (Bailey 1995).ADHD is a condition most likely based in an inefficiency and inadequacyof Dopamine and Norepinephrine hormone avail king, typically occurring when a soul with ADHD tries to concentrate. Ritalin improves the efficiency of thehormones Dopamine and Norepinephrine, increasing the resources for memory, focus,concentration and worry (Clark 1996).Ritalin has been used for more than 30 years to treat ADHD. offensivenessand insomnia are the most common adverse reactions reported, but are normallycontrolled by reducing dosage or omitting the afternoon or flush dose.Decreased appetite is also common but usually casual (Long 1996).According to Clark (1996), children, adolescents and adults diagnosed wi th ADHDusually report the following effects when success to the full treated with RitalinImproved concentration.Better "focus".Improved ability to complete their work.Improved intensity of attention and longer attention span. cut distractibility.Reduced impulsivity.Reduced restlessness and over bodily function.Improved patience.More elaborate communicatory vocabulary.Better written expression and handwriting (especially in children).An improved comprehend of "alertness".Improved memory for visual as well as auditory stimuli.Ritalins Effect on Neurotransmitter SystemsRitalin exhibits pharmacological activity identical to that ofamphetamines. Ritalins exact mechanism of action in the CNS is not fullyunderstood, but the primary sites of activity appear to be in the cerebralcortex and the subcortical structures including the thalamus. Ritalin blocks thereuptake mechanism present in dopaminergic neurons. As a result, sympathomimeticactivity in the central nervous syst em and in the peripheral nervous systemincreases. Ritalin-induced CNS comment produces a decreased sense of fatigue,an increase in motor activity and mental alertness, mild euphoria, and brighter