Ritalin

Ritalin is a mild central nervous system stimulant that triggers the brain stem

arousal system and the cerebral cortex. It increases the norepinephrine and the dopamine

at the central nervous system synapses. Ritalin blocks the reuptake of dopamine. It is

similar chemically and pharmacologically to the amphetamines. The generic name for

Ritalin is methylphenidate. It is currently used for the treatment of Attention Deficit

Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, narcolepsy, with mild depression in

the elderly and cancer patients, and to increase the action of antidepressant medication in

treatment resistant depression. Recently, Ritalin has been used experimentally with stroke

patients (Wright, 1997).

A normal dose of methylphenidate is between fifteen and thirty milligrams per

day in divided doses. The drug takes effect in half an hour to one hour; it’s effects last

four to six hours with the regular tablets and up to eight hours...