Ritalin :: essays research papers

methylphenidateAbstract     methylphenidate (Methylphenidate) is a mild CNS stimulant. In medicine,Ritalins primary use is treatment of Attention Deficit /overactive Disorder(ADHD). The mode of action in humans is not completely understood, but 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. gibe to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)(Bailey 1995), prescriptions for Ritalin have increased more than 600% in thepast five years. Ritalin has a long history of controversy regarding sideeffects and potential for abuse, even so 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 arcform, Ritalin SR, in 20 mg. tablets. It is readily water soluble and is intendedfor oral use. It is a Schedule II Controlled Substance under both the federal officialand Vermont Controlled Substance Acts. Ritalin is primarily used in thetreatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) (Bailey 1995).ADHD is a condition most believably based in an inefficiency and inadequacyof Dopamine and Norepinephrine hormone availability, typically occurring when aperson with ADHD tries to concentrate. Ritalin improves the efficiency of thehormones Dopamine and Norepinephrine, increasing the resources for memory, focus, concentration and attention (Clark 1996).Ritalin has been used for more than 30 years to treat ADHD. Nervousnessand insomnia are the most common adverse reactions reported, but are ordinarilycontrolled by reducing dosage or omitting the afternoon or evening dose.Decreased appetite is also common but usually transient (Long 1996).According to Clark (1996), children, adolescents and adults di agnosed with ADHDusually report the following effects when successfully treated with Ritalin meliorate concentration.Better "focus".Improved ability to complete their work.Improved intensity of attention and longer attention span.Reduced distractibility.Reduced impulsivity.Reduced restlessness and over drill.Improved patience.More elaborate expressive vocabulary.Better written panorama and handwriting (especially in children).An improved sense of "alertness".Improved memory for visual as well as auditory stimuli.Ritalins Effect on Neurotransmitter SystemsRitalin exhibits pharmacological activity similar 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 primal nervous system and in the per ipheral nervous systemincreases. Ritalin-induced CNS stimulation produces a decreased sense of fatigue,an increase in motor activity and mental alertness, mild euphoria, and brighter