From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Methylphenidate
(Its name is often shortened to MPH but is better known by the brand name of
Ritalin
or
Concerta
) is a
central nervous system
(CNS) stimulant
drug
similar to
amphetamine
. MPH stimulates the
central nervous system
. It does this by increasing
dopamine
transmission in the
brain
.
[1]
The drug is commonly used to treat
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) and
narcolepsy
, a condition where your brain can't control your ability to sleep or stay awake. It is sometimes used together with other drugs to treat
depression
. In most countries, its use needs to be
prescribed
by a
doctor
.
The most common
side-effects
of taking the drug are
nervousness
and
sleeping problems
. About one in ten patients see these problems. Other side-effects include changes of
blood pressure
,
headache
, and
weight loss
due to decreased appetite. Some cases of
Tourette syndrome
and
psychosis
have been reported, amongst others.
Sometimes, the drug has been prescribed to children without proper ADHD diagnosis to increase their academic performance. This use has been criticised by the
media
. Using methylphenidate in children may be problematic, because it has been linked with slower growth.
[2]
The media often use the name Ritalin for all drugs containing methylphenidate, and even for other stimulants used to treat ADHD. Ritalin is one drug containing methylphenidate, which is often used in such cases.
This drug can also cause euphoria when it is abused for recreational purposes. Abusing Methylphenidate may lead to psychological addiction and to severe side effects- including, but not limited to:
psychosis
,
cardiac arrest
, and
death
.