Medical Health Encyclopedia

Concerns for Abuse. Studies on both animals and humans suggest that that Ritalin lacks the properties that create addiction, particularly in doses used for treating ADHD. Although methylphenidates have properties similar to amphetamines, their drug levels rise very slowly in the brain at the oral doses given for ADHD. This slow rise prevents a so-called "high" and subsequent addiction to the drug.

A major analysis in 2003, in fact, indicated that methylphenidate treatment may even protect young people with ADHD from abusing alcohol or other drugs. In such cases, methylphenidates may reduce the need to self-medicate ADHD symptoms using nicotine, alcohol, or illegal drugs. (Ritalin does not protect against substance abuse in young people with ADHD and conduct disorder, however.)

Dependence has not been reported in children who have taken this drug for long periods in appropriate dosages. It should be noted, however, that crushing the pills and inhaling them nasally can provide a euphoric state. The primary danger for drug abuse from stimulants appears to occur in non-ADHD young people who purchase these drugs illegally. In one study, for instance, 16% of ADHD children reported pressure from their fellow students to sell or give them their medication.

Adderall

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Adderall is central nervous system stimulant, or amphetamine. It combines four kinds of amphetamine salts. It is inexpensive and can be taken once or twice a day. (Adderall XR is designed to be taken once a day.) Adderall may also be effective for adults. In one major 2002 analysis of comparison studies, parents and doctors reported that Adderall was superior to standard Ritalin, but teachers found no superiority of one drug over the others. Side effects include stomach problems and mood changes, including sadness, anxiety, and irritability. A few reports of sudden unexplained death (SUD) in children taking Adderall and Adderall XR prompted Canada to stop advertising the XR version in early 2005. Most Adderall-related SUD cases have been documented in children with underlying heart problems, but some deaths were found in those without heart defects. The FDA is evaluating the data, but at the time this report was updated it had not yet reached a final conclusion concerning the drug’s safety. Patients with structural heart problems or high blood pressure should not use Adderall.