Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is an ingredient of well known medicament called Ritalin. When taken in an appropriate way and appropriate doses to treat narcolepsy or ADHD – it is safe. However, long-term use may lead to dependency. MPH as a drug of abuse may be snorted, smoked and injected to obtain effects similar to cocaine.

formula molecule

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Trade

Trade & street names

methylphenidate, MPH

Products

Among commercial products methylphenidate occurs in hydrochloride form as an ingredient of some medicaments, e.g.:

methylphenidate (racemate – mixture of two stereoisomers of methylphenidate) – Ritalin, Attenta, Concerta, Daytrana (patch, transdermal), Metadate, Methylin, PMS-Methylphenidate (Canada), ratio-Methylphenidate (Canada)
dextromethylphenidate or dexmethylphenidate (only one of two stereoisomers of methylphenidate) – Focalin

Medical info

Class	stimulants
Medical use	attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder treatment, narcolepsy treatment
Routes	oral, smoked, injected, snorted
Effects of use	increased alertness, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse rate and blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite
Effects of overdose	agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, possible death
Withdrawal effects	apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression, disorientation
Onset	?
Duration of action	2-4 hours