Methylphenidate is the active found in Concerta and Ritalin. They are both central nervous system stimulants and have the potential for patients to become addicted. It has a similar chemical composition to cocaine and amphetamine; therefore, it may be highly addictive.

It disturbs the sleep-wake cycle, by promoting sleeplessness. Often students and learners make use of Concerta or Ritalin when studying for a big test, as it improves their attention and promotes wakefulness. Many of the students do not have prescriptions for it and will then buy tablets from a friend or sibling. The use of using stimulants like methylphenidate, without a prescription, can therefore be very dangerous – as the students do not always realise the side effects and dangers thereof if they have not been prescribed with it. The dosages are individualized by the prescribing medical practitioner and therefore unprescribed use could also possibly lead to unintentional overdose.

Patients may also start experiencing withdrawal symptoms (like fatigue, paranoia and depression), if they stop using methylphenidate. Tolerance may also develop, leading to students taking or needing higher doses to feel the effects thereof, which could lead to possible overdose. It may also lead to students having to find ways to obtain the drug, whether it be legal or illegal. This may result into serious trouble for the student.

Methylphenidate also has an appetite suppressing effect and leads to the abuse and addiction of the drug. Many people abuse methylphenidate to lose weight. This could be potentially dangerous if it is not monitored by a medical practitioner and could have serious negative consequences for the abuser.

Some people also use methylphenidate by crushing it and snorting it, for the “high effect” it produces. Methylphenidate activates the reward system in the brain by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, much like amphetamine-like drugs.

Often students go out clubbing and drinking, with the intention of getting drunk or the good feeling they get when consuming large amounts of alcohol. Methylphenidate is a CNS stimulant, which opposed the CNS suppressive effects of alcohol, which therefore, encourages people to drink more, as they feel “fine”. They might drink a tablet before they go out, so that they can stay awake all night to party. This results in increased blood alcohol levels and could potentially be fatal.

References:

1. Brand, L. 2021. ADHD. Study Unit 13.2 [pptx document]. Unpublished lecture notes on eFundi. FKLG312. Potchefstroom: NWU.
2. Juergens, J. 2021. Concerta Addiction. https://www.addictioncenter.com/stimulants/concerta/ Date accessed: 18 June 2021.