Most commonly abused stimulants

Ritalin®

Chemically, Ritalin® is a Methylphenidate. Like other prescription stimulants it is normally prescribed for several conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  Besides Ritalin®, there are also several other medications which contain Methylphenidate and related compounds, such as Concerta®, Metadate®, Methylin®, Rubifen®, and Focalin®. Most commonly Ritalin® is used by students who want to stay up all night to study for an important test. It comes in pill form, but soon it will appear in the market as a skin patch as well. Sometimes abusers crush up the pill and snort or inject it.

Ritalin effects

Similar to all common psychomotor stimulants, Ritalin® also has an effect on heart and respiration rates. It’s effects are mild because it acts naturally, as a neurotransmitter dopamine. Therefore, Ritalin® effects are essentially dopamine effects.

Most common effects are:

• increased locomotion
• restlessness
• improvement in attention
• sense of pleasure or euphoria

Ritalin can also cause several dangerous side effects, especially when used in large quantities or by those with a weak heart or high blood pressure!

Some of the most common are: 

• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss  
• Digestive problems
• Nervousness and restlessness
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and headaches
• Severe fatigue and emotional depression  
• Elevation in the heart rate and blood pressure
• Skin rashes and itching
• Toxic psychosis, psychotic episodes, drug dependence

Adderall®

Similar to Ritalin®, Adderall® is also a widely used prescription psychomotor stimulant. Unfortunately, beside medically approved use, it has also been widely abused by mostly younger people, students and teenagers. Adderall® is normally used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy – a rare sleep disorder. Its abuse can lead to addiction, because Adderall® is classified as a Schedule II amphetamine, in the same drug class as cocaine.

The most common Adderall® effects include:

• increased energy and alertness
• raised blood pressure
• elevated heart rate and body temperature
• increased feelings of pleasure and euphoria, later replaced by depression

Adderall® has a high potential for abuse and addiction, and it causes several withdrawal symptoms.

Some of the most common side effects may include:

• Tremors
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal behavior or confusion
• Restlessness
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Headache
• Dryness of the mouth and unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Impotence or altered sex drive