What is Methylphenidate?

Methylphenidate is a prescription medication, which comes in immediate and prolonged-release forms. Immediate release forms (such as Ritalin) used to treat ADHD and the sleep disorder, narcolepsy. Prolonged release forms such as Concerta, Xaggitin, Equasym and Medikinet are only licenced for ADHD. Methylphenidate is a stimulant medication which is thought to work by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. 

Side Effects

Although not an exhaustive list, if you take Methylphenidate you may experience aggression, hair loss, anxiety, decreased appetite, abnormal heart rhythms, weakness, abnormal behaviour, cough, depression, diarrhoea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, feeling jittery, fever, gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches, high blood pressure, altered mood, nausea, heart palpitations, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, tics, vomiting.

Legal status

Methylphenidate is class B drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and therefore being found in possession of them could lead to up to five years in prison, and unlimited fine, or both. Those found dealing either of these could face up to fourteen years in prison, or an unlimited fine, or both. It is illegal to carry controlled drugs even if you are not aware that they are controlled drugs.

Risks 

Specialists are prevented from prescribing Methylphenidate if someone has a pre-existing psychiatric diagnosis such as psychosis, severe depression, bipolar affective disorder or borderline personality disorder, or if they have ever acted on suicidal thoughts. This is due to the serious risk of this medication worsening these conditions. If you have any concerns about your mental health then it is best to avoid taking Methylphenidate. 

Additional Considerations

The brands named above are all Methylphenidate, however, they contain different proportions of immediate and modified-release drug. This means that they are not equivalent and will act differently.