Methylphenidate (Ritalin) 

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Methylphenidate is a medication prescribed for individuals (usually children) who have an abnormally high level of 

activity or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 3 to 

5 percent of the general population has the disorder, which is characterized by agitated behavior and an inability to 

focus on tasks. Methylphenidate also is occasionally prescribed for treating narcolepsy. 

Health Effects 

Methylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It has effects similar to, but more potent than, caffeine 

and less potent than amphetamines. It has a notably calming effect on hyperactive children and a "focusing" effect on 

those with ADHD. 

Recent research1 at Brookhaven National Laboratory may begin to explain how methylphenidate helps people with 

ADHD. The researchers used positron emission tomography (PET - a noninvasive brain scan) to confirm that 

administering normal therapeutic doses of methylphenidate to healthy, adult men increased their dopamine levels. The 

researchers speculate that methylphenidate amplifies the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, thereby improving 

attention and focus in individuals who have dopamine signals that are weak, such as individuals with ADHD. 

When taken as prescribed, methylphenidate is a valuable medicine. Research shows that people with ADHD do not 

become addicted to stimulant medications when taken in the form prescribed and at treatment dosages.2 Another study 

found that ADHD boys treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate are significantly less likely to abuse drugs and 

alcohol when they are older than are non-treated ADHD boys.3

Because of its stimulant properties, however, in recent years there have been reports of abuse of methylphenidate by 

people for whom it is not a medication. Some individuals abuse it for its stimulant effects: appetite suppression, 

wakefulness, increased focus/attentiveness, and euphoria. When abused, the tablets are either taken orally or crushed 

and snorted. Some abusers dissolve the tablets in water and inject the mixture - complications can arise from this 

because insoluble fillers in the tablets can block small blood vessels. 

Trends in Ritalin Abuse 

At their June 2000 meeting, members of NIDA's Community Epidemiology Work Group (CEWG)* shared the following 

information. 

z The abuse of methylphenidate has been reported in Baltimore, mostly among middle and high schools students; 

Boston, especially among middle and upper-middle class communities; Detroit; Minneapolis/St. Paul; Phoenix; 

and Texas. 

z When abused, methylphenidate tablets are often used orally or crushed and used intranasally. 

z In 1999, 165 methylphenidate-related poison calls were made in Detroit; 419 were reported in Texas, with 114 

of those involving intentional misuse or abuse. 

z On Chicago's South Side, some users inject methylphenidate (this is referred to as "west coast"). Also, some 

mix it with heroin (a "speedball") or in combination with both cocaine and heroin for a more potent effect. 

Because stimulant medicines such as methylphenidate do have potential for abuse, the U.S. Drug Enforcement 

Administration (DEA) has placed stringent, Schedule II controls on their manufacture, distribution, and prescription. For 

example, DEA requires special licenses for these activities, and prescription refills are not allowed. States may impose 

further regulations, such as limiting the number of dosage units per prescription.

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For more information on treating ADHD, please call the National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 

at 301-443-4513 or visit their Internet address at www.nimh.nih.gov. 

* This fact sheet highlights information from the June 2000 meeting of NIDA's Community Epidemiology Work Group 

(CEWG). CEWG members meet twice yearly to share emerging trends in drug abuse for 21 major U.S. metropolitan 

areas. CEWG reports are on NIDA's website at www.drugabuse.gov. 

1 Nora Volkow, et al., Therapeutic Doses of Oral Methylphenidate Significantly Increase Extracellular Dopamine in the 

Human Brain, The Journal of Neuroscience, 2001, 21:RC121:1-5. 

2 Nora Volkow, et al., Dopamine Transporter Occupancies in the Human Brain Induced by Therapeutic Doses of Oral 

Methylphenidate, Am J Psychiatry 155:1325-1331, October 1998. 

3 Joseph Biederman, et al., Pharmacotherapy of Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Reduces Risk for Substance 

Use Disorder, Pediatrics 1999 104:e20. 

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