Ritalin abuse and its complications

Ritalin is a methylphenidate and a stimulant of the nervous system. Its Pharmacological effects are similar to amphetamines. Ritalin is used in hyperactive children and in some cases of brain trauma usually in the form of tablets. It has been the most effective and common drug for treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for years. Ritalin has a high potential for abuse, particularly in some students use it to increase focus in order to success in exams. Use of high-dose Ritalin via intravenous and inhalation or intranasal administration can cause many complications similar to cocaine and amphetamine. These complications include violent behavior, hallucinations, hyperexcitability, irritability, panic, and psychosis. In some animal models, structural damage to the nervous system and other organs has been reported. So, distribution and usage of Ritalin should accurately be controlled and monitored to prevent its abuse

The Effects of Different Dose of Chronic Ritalin on the Brain of Prepubertal Female Balb/C Mice

Background Methylphenidate (MPH) is commonly prescribed for children who have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); however, the action mechanisms of methylphenidate have not been fully elucidated. Studies have shown a relationship between apoptosis signaling pathways and psychiatric disorders, as well as therapeutic targets for such disorders. So, we examined the effects of chronic methylphenidate administration on the brain of mice. Materials and Methods Animals were administered MPH at doses of 2, 5 and 10 mg/kg for 60 days.  At the age of three months and in estrous phase, brian tissues were removed and washed in cold phosphate-buffered saline and some of them were frozen at -80oC for Western blot analysis. We measured the levels of pro-apoptotic protein, Bax and anti-apoptoticprotein, Bcl-2, in the brain of neonate female Balb/c mice. The rest of the brains were fixed in formalin (10% phosphate-buffered, pH = 7.4). Then samples were embedded in paraffin according to routine histologic procedures. Results: Our results showed that MPH with a dose of 10 mg/kg causes a considerable increase in the level of the Bax protein as compared with other groups. In contrast, in the partial cortex of female mice under treatment with high dose of MPH (10 mg/kg) could less Bcl2 levels as compared with 5 mg/kg MPH. However, 5 mg/kg MPH have a significant effect on Bcl2 levels compare with each of mentioned doses (