1. Samantha Martinez
Period 3

2. Ritalin Ritalin is the trademarked name for methylphenidate.
IUPAC name: methyl phenyl(piperidin-2-yl)acetate
Chemical Formula: C14H19NO2
Street Names: Kibbles and Bits, Kiddy Cocaine, Diet Coke, Skittles, R Pop, Coke Junior, Smarties, Rids

3. Classification
Ritalin is belongs to the group of medicines known as central stimulants.
Under the Controlled Substances Act, Ritalin is a Schedule II drug.

4. History
1944- Ritalin was first synthesized by chemist Leandro Panizzon.
1950s- The therapeutic value of Ritalin began to be researched.
1954- Ritalin became a known stimulant.
1957- Ciba Pharmaceutical Company began marketing Ritalin to treat chronic fatigue, depression, and narcolepsy.
1960s- Ritalin was used to counteract the symptoms of barbiturate overdose. Also, Ritalin was mixed with other products and was marketed as Ritonic to improve mood. Ritalin was also started to be used to treat kids with ADHD.
1970s-1980s- The use of Ritalin increased rapidly.
Ritalin sales in the United States increased by 500%.
2000- Janssen Pharmaceutical got the approval to market Concerta.

5. Production
Ritalin is synthesized in the United States, Mexico, Spain, and Pakistan.
There is no information available on the production of Ritalin.

6. The User The common abusers of Ritalin are teens and 20-somethings.
Ritalin is abused by these people to lose weight, study for exams, or to just get high.
Ritalin is typically obtained by these people by faking symptoms to get a prescription or bought off of friends.

7. Effects
Ritalin is administered orally in the forms of tablets, capsules, or liquid. It can also be snorted or given in the form of a patch. It is a very popular medicine for children with ADHD.
Ritalin increases the production of dopamine and blocks transporters allowing more dopamine to reach receptors, increasing attention signaling.
Ritalin is highly addictive and tolerance is developed over time leading to the user taking higher and higher doses.

8. Risks Negative Side Effects of Ritalin
Appetite suppression
Wakefulness
Euphoria
Irregular or rapid heart rate
Skin rash
Nausea and vomiting
Agitation
Seizures, followed by coma
Anxiety
Formication
Ritalin has an LD50 of 190 mg/kg in mice.

9. Detection
Since Ritalin has a half life of 3 hours, it leaves the body within a few days.
Ritalin cannot be detected on a standard 5 panel drug test, but can show up positive for a drug screen panel for amphetamines.
Ritalin is present in urine for 1-2 days after dosing.
Ritalin is present in hair for at least 90 days.

10. Consequences
Group or individual therapy is available to someone who is addicted to Ritalin once the detox process begins.
The legal consequences for Ritalin include:
First trafficking offense: 5-20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000
Illegal distribution of Ritalin is done in a group of two or more: 5-20 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000,000
If the distribution of Ritalin results in death or serious injury: 20 years-life in prison

11. Works Cited
Blog, A. (2012, March 27). How long does Ritalin stay in your system?. Retrieved from
Myers, R.L. (2007, August 30). The 100 Most Important Chemical Compounds: A Reference Guide (Google eBook). Retrieved from
Seth. (2002, December). Summary of the Medical Uses of Methylphenidate. Retrieved from
Sherzada, A. (2012, February 5). An Analysis of ADHD Drugs: Ritalin and Adderall. Retrieved from
(2013). Newly Approved Drug Therapies (637) Concerta, Alza. Retieved from
Production of Ritalin. Retieved from
(2005, May 5). Ritalin. Retrieved from
Ritalin. Retrieved from
(2013). Ritalin Addiction Treatment Help. Retrieved from
(2013). Ritalin Classification. Retrieved from
(2013). Ritalin Street Names. Retrieved from
(2001, February 25). Teens Abusing And Selling Ritalin for High. Retrieved from