1. Used for the treatment of ADHD

2. Ritalin  Generic name: Methylphenidate  Prescribed for the treatment of ADHD and Narcolepsy  Stimulant Ritalin allows those with ADHD to concentrate and focus better Ritalin allows those with Narcolepsy to stay awake

3. Ritalin  Blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine Effects include:  Increased attentiveness, alertness  Euphoria and a sense of well being  Feelings of invincibility

4. Adderall  Generic name: Amphetamine  Prescribed for the treatment of ADHD and Narcolepsy  Adderall gives the same effects as Ritalin, but feelings of invincibility are much less common

5. Street Names Ritalin Rids Skittles Uppers Vitamin R Jif Rball Kiddy Coke Diet Coke Smarties Adderall Speed Beans Black Beauties Dexies Pep Pills Uppers Christmas Trees Beanies Double Trouble

6. Adderall  Adderall stimulates the brain into producing higher amounts of Dopamine  Adderall’s effects on the brain are more gradual than Ritalin

7. Abuse  Taken orally or crushed and snorted  Increases alertness, energy, attention  Increased dopamine release in higher doses, causing euphoria

8. Abuse  These drugs, especially Ritalin, are often compared to cocaine when abused in high doses  They activate the same parts of the brain

9. Abuse by College Students  A concerning epidemic is the use of Adderall and Ritalin by college students  Students use the drug to stay up late and study and for increased concentration on their tests, they believe they accomplish more on these drugs

10. Abuse by Women  Women commonly abuse these drugs to lose weight  Most people abusing Adderall and Ritalin lose 10 pounds or more Increased heart rate and breathing, ultimately increasing metabolism

11. How do abusers get these drugs?  Those who have ADHD may get a prescription and sell it $5-$10 per pill  It is easy to fake ADHD because there is no medical test to prove it  Some adults take their children’s prescription and use it or sell it

12. Side Effects  High BP, rapid heart rate  Shortness of breath  Insomnia  Headache  Loss of appetite- weight loss  Anxiety  Confusion  Delusions / hallucinations  Anger / hostility  Withdrawal when stopped

13. Dangers of Abuse  Respiratory problems (snorting)  Nasal Perforation (snorting)  Heart Arrhythmia  Psychotic episodes  Toxic shock  Extreme depression  Death from overdose

14. Diagnoses of ADHD on the rise  Diagnosis of ADHD in children has increased by 22% from 2003-2007  Each year since 1997, ADHD diagnoses have increased by 3% Is this due to increased education of ADHD? Or are we simply over diagnosing active children?

15. Production of Meds  Methylphenidate (Ritalin) Production: 19902000 1768 kg/ year 14,957 kg/ year  Amphetamine (Adderall) Production: 1990 2000 417 kg/ year 9,007 kg/ year

17. Prescriptions

18. Ways to Prevent Abuse  Doctor’s need to rule out causation of behaviors before diagnosing ADHD  Alternative remedies for ADHD should be done before prescription is given  Doctors should know patients well enough before giving prescriptions