It is not meant as a substitute for consultation with your personal health care providers. I'm really tired of reading lay journalists linking Ritalin to cocaine and amphetamine and would like to get a clear understanding of the difference. Methylphenidate is a mild central nervous system stimulant that works on the brain stem and cortex regions of the brain to produce its stimulant effect. It is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.
Amphetamines are sympathomimetic amines that also stimulate the central nervous system.
Because they are sympathomimetic amines they also affect the peripheral nervous system producing increased blood pressure, respiratory stimulation and weakly dilated the bronchioles in the lungs. They are used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity. Cocaine is also a potent central nervous system stimulant that is highly addictive. It is used medically as a topical anesthetic of the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. Hello, I am 15 and I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 6 years old.