This study surveyed 2,250 undergraduate students at a large university, finding that 3% reported illicit use of methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta) in the past year. Those who misused these stimulants were more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as frequent alcohol and drug use, and faced more negative consequences compared to students who did not misuse stimulants.

Both male and female students reported similar rates of misuse, and weekly party behavior was a significant factor linked to illicit use.

This study explored the misuse of methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta) with MDMA (ecstasy). Both drugs impact brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, but in different ways. Although methylphenidate and MDMA can individually cause psychostimulant effects, their combined use does not enhance these effects further. However, it does increase cardiovascular risks and other adverse effects.

Despite shared subjective effects similar to amphetamines, MDMA improved mood more, while methylphenidate enhanced focus. Importantly, combining them did not change MDMA's effects on processing emotions or show any added psychoactive effects. Such findings highlight risks in the context of misusing methylphenidate.

This study investigates how ethanol impacts the drug methylphenidate (MPH), commonly known for brands like Ritalin or Concerta. Ethanol was found to significantly increase the concentrations of d-MPH in the blood. This is important because higher drug levels might lead to increased misuse potential.

The study also noted differences between men and women. Women reported a stronger stimulant effect from the drug, even when they had lower drug levels in their blood compared to men. This could suggest different patterns of misuse potential between sexes.

The identification of a poor metabolizer, a person whose body handles the drug differently, could play a role in understanding individual risks of misuse. Exploring genetic causes of this metabolism difference could help tailor safer drug usage for such individuals.

Methylphenidate, often prescribed for ADHD, blocks the dopamine transporter, potentially influencing dopamine levels. This study checked whether therapeutic doses affect dopamine in the brain. Researchers used a brain imaging method called positron emission tomography on 11 healthy individuals. Results showed that methylphenidate increased dopamine levels in the brain, suggesting it amplifies dopamine that's already released, enhancing task-focused signaling in ADHD.

The rise in dopamine is linked to improved attention and reduced distractions. These findings help explain how methylphenidate's therapeutic use could be effective.

The misuse of methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta) presents significant risks and challenges, evidenced by numerous studies. College students misusing the drug often encounter hazardous behaviors, highlighting a concerning pattern between stimulant misuse and risky lifestyle choices. Furthermore, ethanol's influence exacerbates methylphenidate misuse potential, particularly in varying effects between genders.

Additionally, combining methylphenidate with substances like MDMA increases cardiovascular risks without additional benefits, emphasizing the dangers of poly-drug use. While therapeutic applications prove beneficial for ADHD, inappropriate routes of administration and long-term misuse lead to adverse effects such as cardiovascular issues, psychological dependence, and growth suppression.