Can You Inject Ritalin?

What is Ritalin?

Ritalin. or Methylphenidate hydrochloride—the generic for Ritalin, is a stimulant prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment and to manage symptoms of narcolepsy (sleep disorder), but it also has the potential for abuse — begging the question, “can you inject Ritalin?” It affects the parts of the brain and central nervous system (CNS) that control impulses and hyperactivity [1]. Ritalin is one of the trade names for the drug known as methylphenidate. Other brand names can include Concerta, Methylin, and Metadate. Methylphenidate was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1955 for treating what was then referred to as hyperactivity [2].

Ritalin is prone to abuse, just like other stimulants. In addition, its ability to improve concentration means some people use it to boost cognitive ability. Abusing Ritalin, such as by dissolving and injecting it is dangerous because it can lead to irregular heart rate, fever, heart failure, and seizures at high doses. Over time, dissolving and injecting Ritalin can also result in severe cardiovascular issues, anger, and psychotic symptoms such as paranoia. If abruptly discontinued, it is associated with Ritalin withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances. Injecting Ritalin can also lead to a more intensely realized high—a phenomenon that may increase the risk that a user will become addicted. 

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Ritalin Uses 

Ritalin is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy (sleep disorder). Ritalin should be used as a part of a total treatment program for ADHD that may include counseling or other therapies. Off-label uses of methylphenidate (Ritalin) include treatment for fatigue in patients with cancer, refractory depression in the geriatric population, apathy in Alzheimer’s disease, and enhancing cognitive performance (e.g., memory). The efficacy of methylphenidate (Ritalin) for its off-label uses varies from limited to moderate. 

Since it can be abused as a cognitive enhancer, it is a federally controlled Schedule II substance. Drugs are classified as schedule II drugs if they are determined to have a high potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction. If you have a history of substance use problems, it’s important to let your doctor know before taking this medication. 

Ritalin Dosage

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Metadate CD: Initial, 20 mg PO qAM before breakfast; may increase in 10- to 20-mg increments, not to exceed 60 mg/day

Ritalin LA: Initial, 20 mg PO qAM; may adjust dose in weekly 10-mg increments, not to exceed 60 mg/day (patients requiring a lower initial dose may begin with 10 mg)

Concerta: Initial, 18-36 mg PO qDay; may increase by 18-mg increments at weekly intervals; maintenance dose is 18-72 mg/day

Narcolepsy

Methylin, Ritalin (immediate-release tablets, chewable tablets, and oral solution): 20-30 mg/day PO divided q8-12hr, 30-45 minutes before meals; some patients may require 40-60 mg/day; in others, 10-15 mg/day may be adequate

Metadate ER, Methylin ER, and Ritalin SR: Duration of action is approximately 8 hr; may use in place of methylphenidate IR tablets when the 8-hr dosage of methylphenidate ER and SR tablets corresponds to the titrated 8-hr dosage of methylphenidate IR

Can Ritalin Be Injected?

Ritalin is a little pill, yellow or white. It is about 6 mm across and the larger-dose tablets are only slightly bigger. It has a somewhat bitter taste. No flavored liquid preparations of Ritalin, or any other stimulant for that matter, are available. The manufacturers of stimulants are probably concerned that a liquid form of the drug would be attractive to abusers, who might attempt to inject themselves. (Crushing the tablet and making a solution for the drug is a more labor-intensive effort.)

People typically abuse Ritalin to help them stay up and focus or to experience a euphoric high. People may also use it to lose weight or to enhance performance and attention. Ritalin is commonly abused by high school and college students to improve academic performance and also to get high. It is often taken orally. But it can be abused via alternate routes—including crushing the pills and inhaling the powder or dissolving it into a solution to be injected into the bloodstream.

Can Ritalin be injected? Yes, Ritalin can be dissolved into a fluid and administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously. When injected directly into a vein, the drug’s effects peak around 1 to 3 minutes after administration. Injecting Ritalin (methylphenidate) from any tablet without proper purification would be highly dangerous as there are many other ingredients in those tablets which would need to be filtered out.

Can You Snort Ritalin?

Stimulants such as Ritalin are often abused via insufflation. This drug is usually crushed until it becomes a fine powder and then snorted to intensify its high. Snorting Ritalin results in large doses of methylphenidate entering the bloodstream almost immediately. This is especially dangerous with the extended-release formula. There is no medical reason to snort this medication. Snorting Ritalin can be dangerous. An overdose on this drug can cause heart problems, psychotic symptoms, and even death. Ritalin may be harmful to the nasal membrane. Nasal membranes are delicate and prone to injury. Because of snorting, the speed at which a Ritalin enters the bloodstream can also cause uncomfortable side effects:

The following are some extreme side effects of regularly snorting Ritalin:

Ritalin Risks

Although Ritalin can improve symptoms of ADHD, it can also cause some side effects. Ritalin can be misused, and that comes with the risk of more serious side effects throughout the body. It should only be used with medical supervision. Ritalin influences both dopamine and norepinephrine activity in your brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects pleasure, movement, and attention span. Norepinephrine also called noradrenaline, substance that is released predominantly from the ends of sympathetic nerve fibers and that acts to increase the force of skeletal muscle contraction and the rate and force of contraction of the heart. Norepinephrine is a stimulant. 

Ritalin increases the action of these neurotransmitters by blocking their reabsorption into your brain’s neurons. The levels of these chemicals increase slowly, so your doctor will start you on the lowest possible dose and increase it in small increments, if necessary. Ritalin may make it easier for you to concentrate, be less fidgety, and gain control of your actions. You may also find it easier to listen and focus at your job or in school.

If you’re already prone to anxiety or agitation or have an existing psychotic disorder, Ritalin may worsen these symptoms. If you have a history of seizures, this medication may cause more seizures.

Some individuals taking this medication experience blurred vision or other changes to eyesight. Other potential side effects include:

When misused, injecting Ritalin can cause feelings of paranoia and hostility. Very high doses can lead to:

Ritalin Overdose

The first step in a Ritalin overdose is to immediately contact a poison control center or a hospital for the necessary management steps. Doses that exceed 60 mg of the IR (immediate-release) formulation or 120 mg of the ER (extended-release) formulation can be considered toxic [5]. If the overdosed quantity is unknown, look for signs and symptoms such as:

• Tremors
• Hyperreflexia
• Convulsions
• Euphoria
• Confusion

• Hallucinations
• Delirium
• Flushing
• Fever

In addition to the common adverse effects mentioned above. Supportive care with supplemental oxygen, IV fluids, and external cooling methods is the mainstay of Ritalin overdose treatment. Multiple studies have shown that benzodiazepines are an option, especially if dystonia, agitation, or convulsions are present.

Ritalin Addiction Treatment

There is a strong link between mental health and substance abuse. Individuals who struggle with mood disorders like depression and anxiety are more susceptible to developing an addiction to drugs or alcohol, often to self-medicate symptoms of their underlying mental health condition. These co-occurring disorders can make each other worse without proper treatment.

To answer the question “how long do Ritalin withdrawal symptoms last?” it’s crucial to first get an accurate assessment of all the symptoms. Moreover, If you’re asking the questions, “can you snort Ritalin?” and “can you inject Ritalin”, then you should also be aware of the risks involved in doing so. If you are injecting Ritalin and experiencing Ritalin withdrawal, it’s crucial to first get an accurate assessment of all the symptoms. When the symptoms have been evaluated by a mental health professional, it may be determined that another form of mental condition is present and needs a particular type of treatment. Very often, some combination of psychotherapy, medication, and/or lifestyle changes are effective for coping with functional.

Medically-Assisted Detox

Medical detox is often considered the first stage of treatment. It will help you navigate the complicated process of Ritalin withdrawal, but it doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to drug use. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete detox.

Cravings are very common during detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient drug rehab helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can provide necessary medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and the effects of Ritalin withdrawals.

Psychotherapy for Depression

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of mental health disorders along with addiction, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – is an effective treatment that involves making changes in both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – is a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.” 
• Person-Centered Therapy – is a strategy that allows and encourages clients to understand and resolve their concerns in a safe, supportive environment.
• Solution Focused Therapy – is an approach interested in solutions that can be quickly implemented with a simple first step leading to further positive consequences.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Prescription drug abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur. In many cases, traumatic experiences can result in a mental health disorder and substance abuse. Dual diagnosis rehabilitation treats both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. In this strategy, both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder are treated simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend largely on the treatment for both disorders done by the same team or provider.

Medication-Assisted Treatments

Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT) for substance use disorders and mental health disorders are commonly used in conjunction with one another. This includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. During your rehab, the staff from your treatment facility will help you identify what caused your addiction and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. Sometimes, the pressures and problems in your life lead you to rely on substances to help you forget about them momentarily.

If you or a loved one are struggling with long-term prescription drug abuse and a co-occurring mental health condition such as depression, contact one of our helpful treatment specialists today. We Level Up can provide information on dual diagnosis and detox programs that may fit your specific needs.