Drug Enforcement Agency: Methylphenidate (Ritalin)



>Subject: Re: Drug Enforcement Agency: Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
>From: Eric Wilk [email protected]
>Date: 9/19/2003 6:39 AM Pacific Standard Time
>Message-id: <[email protected]>
>
>O.k. -- I know I've said this before, but I guess it's the topic at hand....
>It's impossible to relate Ritalin to Cocaine in mg's, but it has a big
>potential for abuse, because people don't EAT the pills -- they sniff
>(insufflate) them which will make them more potent, because of many factors:
>
>1.) When you eat the drug, like normal, 70% of it is digested. When you
>insufflate it, none of it is digested -- it goes into your lungs, and
>diffuses
>across the alveoli into the bloodstream.
>
>2.) When you eat the drug, like normal, it takes time for it to digest and
>is
>released more gradually, having effect for a longer period of time. The
>onset
>for insufflation is usually ~ 5 min and lasts for a much shorter period of
>time, so the drug will have a much stronger effect, albeit not as long of
>one.
>
>3.) Add the effect of time release pills to number 2. This will have an
>even
>more profound effect.
>
>The point: Yes, methylphenidate has potential for abuse, no doubt. Studies
>have shown that Ritalin is specific for 10-D norepinephrine receptors, which
>cocaine effects specifically, too, by a inhibiting NE's reuptake (I think the
>specific mechanisms of action for Ritalin are still unknown, but I could be
>wrong. It was shown to be specific for these receptors, however.) Since
>cocaine and Ritalin are very similar, there has to be a potential for abusing
>the drug. This DOES NOT mean, however, that Ritalin is not a safe drug. For
>the reasons stated above it's clearly very easy for a recreational user to do
>amounts in excess of 20-fold the prescibed dosage, and I've never heard of
>anyone dying from Ritalin, except in combination with other drugs (again, I
>could be wrong, but it's obviously not a huge problem or I should have heard
>about it by now.) Obvoiusly, given the prescribed dosages, it is a
>completely
>safe drug.
>
>People abuse dextromethrophan, too, by drinking cough syrup -- some people
>are
>just strange. IMO, this is not a reason to take it off the market.
>
>-- Eric


It is an abused drug among kids, it plays with a kids brain.

That's reason enough.

Jan
 
In article <[email protected]>,
F Troop <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>"David Wright" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> In article <[email protected]>,
>> F Troop <[email protected]> wrote:
>> >
>> >"Jeff" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> >news:[email protected]...
>> >> Read the last paragraph of the article you cite:
>> >> http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/cngrtest/ct051600.htm
>> >>
>> >> When taken as prescribed, methylphenidate is safe and effective.
>> >>
>> >
>> >The compliance rate amongst people who are prescribed psychotropic drugs

>is
>> >so low, that is a moot point.

>>
>> "Studies report noncompliance rates of 20-65% with stimulant
>> treatment, although there are only limited published studies
>> and these show considerable individual variation."
>> (Swanson, J., "Compliance with stimulants for attention-
>> deficit/hyperactivity disorder: issues and approaches
>> for improviement", CNS Drugs 2003; 17(2): 117-31.)
>>
>> So, FTroop, you're blowing smoke.

>
>Hardly.
>
>The compliance rate of psychiatric treatments is said to be low relative to
>the 75-90% compliance rate to treatment for physiological conditions.


"Is said to be?" By whom? You? Give me a cite or put a sock in it.

>The low compliance rate of those receiving psychiatric treatment means one
>can't dismiss the danger posed by the addictive properties of stimulants by
>assertions they are safe when taken as directed, where up to 65% of people
>don't take stimulants as directed.


Hardly. "Up to 65%". Or maybe it's 20%. You don't know and neither
do I. Nobody knows. So your claim of "most" is baseless.

Furthermore, ritalin is not particularly addictive when taken orally
(as opposed to when snorted).

-- David Wright :: alphabeta at prodigy.net
These are my opinions only, but they're almost always correct.
"If I have not seen as far as others, it is because giants
were standing on my shoulders." (Hal Abelson, MIT)
 
>Subject: Re: Drug Enforcement Agency: Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
>From: Joe Parsons [email protected]
>Date: 9/19/2003 8:04 AM Pacific Standard Time
>Message-id: <[email protected]>
>
>On Fri, 19 Sep 2003 15:05:48 GMT, "F Troop" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>"Jeff" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>news:[email protected]...
>>> Read the last paragraph of the article you cite:
>>> http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/cngrtest/ct051600.htm
>>>
>>> When taken as prescribed, methylphenidate is safe and effective.
>>>

>>
>>The compliance rate amongst people who are prescribed psychotropic drugs is
>>so low, that is a moot point.

>
>Please provide a cite for this statement.
>
>Joe Parsons


It's all over the place, look it up.

What world are you living in??

Read away.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2003-01-16-kids-drug_x.htm

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=people+abusing+prescrip
tion+drugs&btnG=Google+Search

Jan
 
"F Troop" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:

> The low compliance rate of those receiving psychiatric treatment means
> one can't dismiss the danger posed by the addictive properties of
> stimulants by assertions they are safe when taken as directed, where
> up to 65% of people don't take stimulants as directed.


But "don't take stimulants as directed" means "don't take them at all" or
"don't take them regularly." It *doesn't* mean "take more of them than are
prescribed"; remember that Ritalin prescriptions are limited to a month's
supply, and that the doses needed for abuse are a large multiple of the
daily doses used in treatment of ADHD.
 
"jake" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Fri, 19 Sep 2003 17:11:35 GMT, "Mark Probert"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >
> >"jake" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> >news:[email protected]...
> >
> >Where is this?
> >

>
> Olympic mountains WA


It looked familiar.

I lived in Steilacoom, WA while I was assigned to Ft. Lewis, WA, 1969-70. We
rented a house on Puget Sound and it was known as party city.

We went to Olympic National Park several times to go fishing.

See: http://www.nps.gov/olym/wic/duplela.htm
 
>Subject: Re: Drug Enforcement Agency: Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
>From: Joe Parsons [email protected]
>Date: 9/19/2003 7:58 AM Pacific Standard Time
>Message-id: <[email protected]>
>
>On 19 Sep 2003 04:00:46 GMT, [email protected] (Jan) wrote:
>
>>>Subject: Re: Drug Enforcement Agency: Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
>>>From: Joe Parsons [email protected]
>>>Date: 9/18/2003 4:01 PM Pacific Standard Time
>>>Message-id: <[email protected]>
>>>
>>>On Fri, 19 Sep 2003 00:31:52 +0100, jake <[email protected]> wrote:
>>>
>>>>On Thu, 18 Sep 2003 23:07:57 GMT, Joe Parsons <[email protected]>
>>>>wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>On Thu, 18 Sep 2003 21:36:01 +0100, jake <[email protected]> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>>>That is not the article that Theta posted. Thus, you must agree that
>>>Theta
>>>>>>>lied.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>not at all..
>>>>>>
>>>>>>The article may have well have been removed from the DEA website.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>the DEA position statement remains precisely the same
>>>>>>
>>>>>>In more simplistic terms, this data means that neither animals nor
>>>>>>humans can tell the difference between cocaine, amphetamine, or
>>>>>>methylphenidate when they are administered the same way at comparable
>>>>>>doses. In short, they produce effects that are nearly identical.
>>>>>
>>>>>Let me ask you a question, Bob: are you familiar with the process by

>which
>>>the
>>>>>Drug Enforcement Agency placed methylphenidate hcl on Schedule II?

>Dosages
>>>used
>>>>>in making the determination? Was the administration parenteral? What
>>>>>difference might it make, if it was?
>>>>
>>>>no ..is this relevant to whether ritalin is nearly identical with
>>>>cocaine as the DEA says?
>>>
>>>Please show me where DEA says "ritalin is nearly identical with cocaine."
>>>Look
>>>really, really, REALLY hard. I'll wait right here.

>>
>>http://www.resultsproject.net/Cocaine_Ritalin_Connection.html
>>
>>We are already aware of your tricks Mr. Parsons. They are just one of many

>from
>>*organized medicine*

>
>Jan, if you want to take issue with anything I say, I would hope you'd have
>the
>courage to post any of your rebuttals in a newsgroup where I am likely to see
>them.


I did that long ago. Now you are here.

>I am a bit puzzled by your jab at me, though; after all--you were quite
>grateful
>when I helped you with some technical problems a couple of years ago, and
>granted you permission to repost my white paper, "Surviving Usenet."


Yes indeed, I still have it. That has nothing whatsoever to do with Ritalin and
drugging kids.

>Do you believe that anyone holding any different opinions from yours is
>somehow
>an enemy? That's sad, if you do.
>


>Joe Parsons


Good Grief. Where did that come from? Adult people can agree and disagree, that
doesn't mean they are enemies??

And speaking of jabs, you certainly do your share.

And why is speaking the truth a jab? What I said to you is a ploy and famous
reaction from the debunker group.

The fact that you asked where this was on the DHE, means, it was there and is
now taken down. Like I said, we all know why. This is how the debunkers
operate. The DEA position hasn't changed.

So your point is moot.

Jan
 
>Subject: Re: Drug Enforcement Agency: Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
>From: "F Troop" [email protected]
>Date: 9/19/2003 8:06 AM Pacific Standard Time
>Message-id: <[email protected]>
>
>
>"Joe Parsons" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> >We are already aware of your tricks Mr. Parsons. They are just one of

>many from
>> >*organized medicine*

>>
>> Jan, if you want to take issue with anything I say, I would hope you'd

>have the
>> courage to post any of your rebuttals in a newsgroup where I am likely to

>see
>> them.

>
>Courage or lack of it has nothing to do with it.
>
>Jan posts from AOL which doesn't provide it's customers the facility to
>XPOST and trims NG's other than MHA where Jan posts in, from her posts.
>
>I am sure your regular ego-surfing of usenet will pick up any replies Jan
>makes to your poisonous posts.


That's correct, and Joe already knows, I have no lack of courage.

Jan
 
You may want to search on Nora Volkow (now the head of NIDA) who has done
some excellent work on the physiology of addiction and how MPH works..


"Eric Wilk" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> O.k. -- I know I've said this before, but I guess it's the topic at

hand....
> It's impossible to relate Ritalin to Cocaine in mg's, but it has a big
> potential for abuse, because people don't EAT the pills -- they sniff
> (insufflate) them which will make them more potent, because of many

factors:
>
> 1.) When you eat the drug, like normal, 70% of it is digested. When you
> insufflate it, none of it is digested -- it goes into your lungs, and

diffuses
> across the alveoli into the bloodstream.
>
> 2.) When you eat the drug, like normal, it takes time for it to digest

and is
> released more gradually, having effect for a longer period of time. The

onset
> for insufflation is usually ~ 5 min and lasts for a much shorter period of
> time, so the drug will have a much stronger effect, albeit not as long of

one.
>
> 3.) Add the effect of time release pills to number 2. This will have an

even
> more profound effect.
>
> The point: Yes, methylphenidate has potential for abuse, no doubt.

Studies
> have shown that Ritalin is specific for 10-D norepinephrine receptors,

which
> cocaine effects specifically, too, by a inhibiting NE's reuptake (I think

the
> specific mechanisms of action for Ritalin are still unknown, but I could

be
> wrong. It was shown to be specific for these receptors, however.) Since
> cocaine and Ritalin are very similar, there has to be a potential for

abusing
> the drug. This DOES NOT mean, however, that Ritalin is not a safe drug.

For
> the reasons stated above it's clearly very easy for a recreational user to

do
> amounts in excess of 20-fold the prescibed dosage, and I've never heard of
> anyone dying from Ritalin, except in combination with other drugs (again,

I
> could be wrong, but it's obviously not a huge problem or I should have

heard
> about it by now.) Obvoiusly, given the prescribed dosages, it is a

completely
> safe drug.
>
> People abuse dextromethrophan, too, by drinking cough syrup -- some people

are
> just strange. IMO, this is not a reason to take it off the market.
>
> -- Eric
>
> Mark Probert wrote:
>
> > "Jeff" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > Read the last paragraph of the article you cite:
> > > http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/cngrtest/ct051600.htm
> > >
> > > When taken as prescribed, methylphenidate is safe and effective.

> >
> > There is an interesting point when one notes that Maryland is in the top

ten
> > for both methylphenidate and amphetamine.
> >
> > See: Pediatrics. 2000 Sep;106(3):533-9. Related Articles, Links
> >
> > Stimulant treatment in Maryland public schools.
> >
> > Safer DJ, Malever M.
> >
> > Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Medical
> > Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA. [email protected]
> >
> > OBJECTIVE: A statewide school survey was performed to provide

naturalistic
> > data on the prevalence of medication administered to Maryland public

school
> > students for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
> > (ADHD) to clarify the concern of some state legislators about stimulant
> > treatment for youths. METHODS: In April 1998, school nurses supervised a
> > survey of all Maryland public school students medicated during school

hours
> > for ADHD. The data collected on these students included: type of

medication
> > administered, gender, school level, race/ethnicity, special education

and
> > Section 504 status, and the specialist of the prescriber. RESULTS: Of

the
> > 816 465 students surveyed, 20 050 (2. 46%) received methylphenidate and

3721
> > (0.46%) received other medications for ADHD. Other major findings were:

1)
> > methylphenidate constituted 84% of all the medication administered for

ADHD;
> > 2) the male:female ratio of the medication's recipients was 3.5:1 and

4.3:1
> > in elementary and secondary school, respectively; 3) black and Hispanic
> > students received methylphenidate at approximately half the rate of

their
> > white counterparts; 4) 45% of all students receiving methylphenidate had
> > special education status and an additional 8% had Section 504 status;

and 5)
> > nurse practitioners were the prescribers of 3% of the methylphenidate
> > prescribed to Maryland students. CONCLUSIONS: This large,

population-based,
> > point prevalence study of medication administered to students for ADHD

adds
> > new and updated findings on prevalence variations, rates for minority

and
> > special education/Section 504 students, and specialty prescriber rates.
> >
> > PMID: 10969099 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
> >
> > Here, the state in the top ten has only approx. 3% of the students
> > medicated.
> >
> > One would think that, from the DOJ article, this state would have 10-20%

of
> > the kids medicated. If other states are so much lower, as the artilce

points
> > out, the claim that kids are *OVER*medicated seems to be just a

fabrication
> > of the anti-medication, know nothings.

>
 
"Jan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> >Subject: Re: Drug Enforcement Agency: Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
> >From: Joe Parsons [email protected]
> >Date: 9/19/2003 8:04 AM Pacific Standard Time
> >Message-id: <[email protected]>
> >
> >On Fri, 19 Sep 2003 15:05:48 GMT, "F Troop" <[email protected]> wrote:
> >
> >>"Jeff" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> >>news:[email protected]...
> >>> Read the last paragraph of the article you cite:
> >>> http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/cngrtest/ct051600.htm
> >>>
> >>> When taken as prescribed, methylphenidate is safe and effective.
> >>>
> >>
> >>The compliance rate amongst people who are prescribed psychotropic drugs

is
> >>so low, that is a moot point.

> >
> >Please provide a cite for this statement.
> >
> >Joe Parsons

>
> It's all over the place, look it up.
>
> What world are you living in??


A citation means more than a newpaper article. Anyway, with your
demonstrated inability to read for comprehension, why should anyone bother
looking at what you post?

> Read away.
>
> http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2003-01-16-kids-drug_x.htm
>
> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=people+abusing+prescrip
> tion+drugs&btnG=Google+Search
>
> Jan
>
 
"Jan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> >Subject: Re: Drug Enforcement Agency: Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
> >From: Joe Parsons [email protected]
> >Date: 9/19/2003 8:04 AM Pacific Standard Time
> >Message-id: <[email protected]>
> >
> >On Fri, 19 Sep 2003 15:05:48 GMT, "F Troop" <[email protected]> wrote:
> >
> >>"Jeff" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> >>news:[email protected]...
> >>> Read the last paragraph of the article you cite:
> >>> http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/cngrtest/ct051600.htm
> >>>
> >>> When taken as prescribed, methylphenidate is safe and effective.
> >>>
> >>
> >>The compliance rate amongst people who are prescribed psychotropic drugs

is
> >>so low, that is a moot point.

> >
> >Please provide a cite for this statement.
> >
> >Joe Parsons

>
> It's all over the place, look it up.
>
> What world are you living in??
>
> Read away.
>
> http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2003-01-16-kids-drug_x.htm


Yep. The artilce does not address the point.

> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=people+abusing+prescrip
> tion+drugs&btnG=Google+Search
>


Yep. Another non responsive post by Jan. I wish she had learned how to
comprehend.
 
"Jan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> >Subject: Re: Drug Enforcement Agency: Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
> >From: "F Troop" [email protected]
> >Date: 9/19/2003 8:06 AM Pacific Standard Time
> >Message-id: <[email protected]>
> >
> >
> >"Joe Parsons" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> >news:[email protected]...
> >> >We are already aware of your tricks Mr. Parsons. They are just one of

> >many from
> >> >*organized medicine*
> >>
> >> Jan, if you want to take issue with anything I say, I would hope you'd

> >have the
> >> courage to post any of your rebuttals in a newsgroup where I am likely

to
> >see
> >> them.

> >
> >Courage or lack of it has nothing to do with it.
> >
> >Jan posts from AOL which doesn't provide it's customers the facility to
> >XPOST and trims NG's other than MHA where Jan posts in, from her posts.
> >
> >I am sure your regular ego-surfing of usenet will pick up any replies Jan
> >makes to your poisonous posts.

>
> That's correct, and Joe already knows, I have no lack of courage.


Just lack of courtesy as you know that Joe reads it from ASAD and not MHA.
 
>Subject: Re: Drug Enforcement Agency: Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
>From: [email protected] (David Wright)
>Date: 9/19/2003 11:54 AM Pacific Standard Time
>Message-id: <[email protected]>
>
>In article <[email protected]>,
>F Troop <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>"David Wright" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>news:[email protected]...
>>> In article <[email protected]>,
>>> F Troop <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> >
>>> >"Jeff" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>> >news:[email protected]...
>>> >> Read the last paragraph of the article you cite:
>>> >> http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/cngrtest/ct051600.htm
>>> >>
>>> >> When taken as prescribed, methylphenidate is safe and effective.
>>> >>
>>> >
>>> >The compliance rate amongst people who are prescribed psychotropic drugs

>>is
>>> >so low, that is a moot point.
>>>
>>> "Studies report noncompliance rates of 20-65% with stimulant
>>> treatment, although there are only limited published studies
>>> and these show considerable individual variation."
>>> (Swanson, J., "Compliance with stimulants for attention-
>>> deficit/hyperactivity disorder: issues and approaches
>>> for improviement", CNS Drugs 2003; 17(2): 117-31.)
>>>
>>> So, FTroop, you're blowing smoke.

>>
>>Hardly.
>>
>>The compliance rate of psychiatric treatments is said to be low relative to
>>the 75-90% compliance rate to treatment for physiological conditions.

>
>"Is said to be?" By whom? You? Give me a cite or put a sock in it.
>
>>The low compliance rate of those receiving psychiatric treatment means one
>>can't dismiss the danger posed by the addictive properties of stimulants by
>>assertions they are safe when taken as directed, where up to 65% of people
>>don't take stimulants as directed.

>
>Hardly. "Up to 65%". Or maybe it's 20%. You don't know and neither
>do I. Nobody knows. So your claim of "most" is baseless.
>
>Furthermore, ritalin is not particularly addictive when taken orally
>(as opposed to when snorted).


Wrong again.


http://www.drug-rehabs.org/faqs/FAQ-ritalin.php

Ritalin Addiction

Ritalin addiction is a very serious and sometimes life threatening dilemma. Not
only is it difficult for the addict, it is extremely hard on those around them
who care about them. For the addict, admitting they have an addiction problem
can be difficult. However painful this may be, it must be acknowledged as the
first gradient to overcoming the problem. The next hurdle is being willing to
seek & accept help from an addiction professional. It can be hard for an addict
to confront the fact that they can not do it alone. Once this fact is accepted,
it is time to seek the appropriate professional treatment. Drug rehab programs
based on the social education modality are highly successful. This means that
individuals who are recovering from Ritalin addiction are not made wrong for
their past indiscretions, but are taught how to avoid future ones. They are
provided with knowledge on how to change their lives and how to live
comfortably without Ritalin. Receiving treatment for addiction should be done
in a safe & stable environment that is conducive to addiction recovery.
Research studies show that residential treatment programs of at least 3 months
in duration have the best success rates. 3 months may seem like a long time,
but one day in the life of an individual addicted to Ritalin can feel like an
eternity. Addiction is a self imposed hellish slavery. The chains can be broken
people do it everyday. You can be free!

Drug rehabilitation is a multi-phase, multi-faceted, long term process.
Detoxification is only the first step on the road of addiction treatment.
Physical detoxification alone is not sufficient to change the patterns of a
drug addict. Recovery from addiction involves an extended process which usually
requires the help of drug addiction professionals. To make a successful
recovery, the addict needs new tools in order to deal with situations and
problems which arise. Factors such as encountering someone from their days of
using, returning to the same environment and places, or even small things such
as smells and objects trigger memories which can create psychological stress.
This can hinder the addict's goal of complete recovery, thus not allowing the
addict to permanently regain control of his or her life.

Almost all addicts tell themselves in the beginning that they can conquer their
addiction on their own without the help of outside resources. Unfortunately,
this is not usually the case. When an addict makes an attempt at detoxification
and to discontinue drug use without the aid of professional help, statistically
the results do not last long. Research into the effects of long-term addiction
has shown that substantial changes in the way the brain functions are present
long after the addict has stopped using drugs. Realizing that a drug addict who
wishes to recover from their addiction needs more than just strong will power
is the key to a successful recovery. Battling not only cravings for their drug
of choice, re-stimulation of their past and changes in the way their brain
functions, it is no wonder that quitting drugs without professional help is an
uphill battle.

As an organization we are dedicated to finding the correct solution for your
specific addiction problem. Our referral list contains over 3,000 resources
which encompass the following treatment categories :

Ritalin Detox Center
Ritalin Rehab
Ritalin Treatment
Ritalin Addiction Treatment
Ritalin Addiction Counseling
Meetings
Ritalin In-Patient Treatment
Ritalin Out-Patient Treatment


In 1990, 900,000 American kids were on Ritalin. Today some estimate the total
number of children on Ritalin has increased to 4 - 5 million or more per year
America now uses 90% of the world's Ritalin - more than five times the rest of
the world combined.
Emergency room visits by children ages 10-14 involving Ritalin intoxication
have now reached the same level as those for cocaine which indicates escalating
abuse of this highly addictive drug.
80% of children on Ritalin are boys. Q) What is Ritalin?

A) Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant, similar to
amphetamines in the nature and duration of its effects. It is believed that it
works by activating the brain stem arousal system and cortex.
Pharmacologically, it works on the neurotransmitter dopamine, and in that
respect resembles the stimulant characteristics of cocaine. When taken in
accordance with usual prescription instructions, it would be classified as
having mild to moderate stimulant properties, but when snorted or injected it
has a strong stimulant effect. Ritalin is manufactured by CIBA-Geigy
Corporation, and is supplied in 5 mg., 10 mg., and 20 mg. tablets, and in a
sustained release form, Ritalin SR as 20 mg. tablets. It is readily water
soluble and is intended for oral use. It is a Schedule II Controlled Substance
under both the federal and Indiana Controlled Substances Acts. Since Ritalin is
a Schedule II Controlled Substance, the federal government strictly regulates
the amount that may be manufactured, through a system of rigid manufacturing
quotas.


Q) How is Ritalin used?

A) When abused, Ritalin tablets are taken orally, crushed and then snorted, or
dissolved in water and "cooked" for intravenous injection.
There are numerous reports in medical journals about permanent and irreversible
lung tissue damage related to injection of crushed Ritalin tablets.

In order to make the 5- to 20 mg. dose tablets large enough to handle easily,
at least 100 mg. of "inert ingredients" are added to the tablets to increase
their size. Depending upon size and formulation, the following inert
ingredients are found in Ritalin tablets, according to the manufacturer:
lactose, starch, polyethelene glycol, magnesium stearate, sucrose, talc,
cellulose, mineral oil, and various dyes and conditioning agents. While these
ingredients are "inert" when taken by mouth, they can cause serious problems
when injected or snorted.


Health Consequences of Intravenous and/or Injection Drug Use
The hypodermic syringe was designed to deliver a concentrated dose of a drug
quickly and efficiently. In doing so, it bypasses many of the body's natural
defense mechanisms such as the skin, respiratory cilia, digestive acids, etc.
The syringe allows anything in it (drugs, dust, bacteria, pollen, allergens,
yeasts, viruses, fillers, etc.) to pass directly into the blood and body
tissues. The rapid delivery of drugs via injection makes it difficult for the
user to control the intensity of the drug effect, thus making toxic overdoses
more likely.
When drugs are prepared for injection by a street user, dust, dirt, and other
contaminants fall into the liquid. Bacteria, talc, lint, and other particles
are injected along with the drug. The "inert ingredients" that manufacturers
include to increase the bulk may be harmless when taken by mouth, but talc,
cellulose, mineral oil, and sugars (among other fillers) can create serious
problems when injected directly into veins or body tissues. Complications from
injection drug use include:
drug overdoses and toxic overdose reactions
blood clots from scar tissue, particles in the liquid, cotton and lint fibers,
etc.
infections ("blood poisoning," abscesses, hepatitis, AIDS, etc.)
scars ("tracks" and adhesions)
pulmonary problems ("addict's lung," embolisms, etc.)
skin and circulatory problems

Health consequences of Snorting Drugs (Intranasal Insufflation)
The delicate epithelial tissues that line the nasal cavities and air passages
may be damaged by direct contact with drugs. Ritalin tablets contain the
hydrochloride salt of methylphenidate and yield dilute hydrochloric acid when
they come into contact with moisture. While this is not a problem in the
stomach (hydrochloric acid is one of the digestive acids used in the stomach),
in the nasal passages the acid can "burn" the delicate nasal tissues, resulting
in open sores, nose bleeds, and possibly in deterioration of the nasal
cartilage. Q) What are the side effects of Ritalin?

A) The side effects of Ritalin addiction include but are not limited to:


drug addiction
nervousness and insomnia
loss of appetite
nausea and vomiting
dizziness
headaches
changes in heart rate and blood pressure (usually elevation of both, but
occasionally depression)
skin rashes and itching
abdominal pain
weight loss
digestive problems
toxic psychosis
psychotic episodes
severe depression upon withdrawal High doses of stimulants produce a
predictable set of symptoms that include:


loss of appetite (may cause serious malnutrition)
tremors and muscle twitching
fevers, convulsions, and headaches (may be severe)
irregular heartbeat and respiration (may be profound and life threatening)
anxiety, restlessness
paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions
excessive repetition of movements and meaningless tasks
formicaton (sensation of bugs or worms crawling under the skin) While death due
to non-medical use of Ritalin is not common, it has been known to occur.

Q) What are the symptoms of Ritalin overdose?

A) Symptoms of Ritalin overdose may include: Agitation, confusion, convulsions
(may be followed by coma), delirium, dryness of mucous membranes, enlarging of
the pupil of the eye, exaggerated feeling of elation, extremely elevated body
temperature, flushing, hallucinations, headache, high blood pressure, irregular
or rapid heartbeat, muscle twitching, sweating, tremors, vomiting.

A growing number of youngsters taking the drug Ritalin® (methylphenidate)
experience overdose, researchers report. The study looked at the frequency of
Ritalin overdose cases reported to a regional poison control center in Detroit.
Children ages 6 to 9 years were at the greatest risk of overdose, compared with
other age groups. Over a two-year period, 289 cases were reported. Of these,
31% developed symptoms. Most common adverse effects included tachycardia,
agitation and lethargy. Most cases were due to parents or caregivers
unintentionally giving patients excessive amounts of the drug.
 
On Fri, 19 Sep 2003 20:18:31 GMT, "Mark Probert"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>
>"jake" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> On Fri, 19 Sep 2003 17:11:35 GMT, "Mark Probert"
>> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> >
>> >"jake" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> >news:[email protected]...
>> >
>> >Where is this?
>> >

>>
>> Olympic mountains WA

>
>It looked familiar.
>
>I lived in Steilacoom, WA while I was assigned to Ft. Lewis, WA, 1969-70. We
>rented a house on Puget Sound and it was known as party city.


wow!
small world and all that

:>)


>
>We went to Olympic National Park several times to go fishing.
>
>See: http://www.nps.gov/olym/wic/duplela.htm



I was not fit enough to go to upper lena but had to stay at lower lena




>
>
>
>
 
>Subject: Re: Drug Enforcement Agency: Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
>From: [email protected] (David Wright)
>Date: 9/19/2003 11:31 AM Pacific Standard Time
>Message-id: <[email protected]>
>
>In article <[email protected]>,
>F Troop <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>"Jeff" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>news:[email protected]...
>>> Read the last paragraph of the article you cite:
>>> http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/cngrtest/ct051600.htm
>>>
>>> When taken as prescribed, methylphenidate is safe and effective.
>>>

>>
>>The compliance rate amongst people who are prescribed psychotropic drugs is
>>so low, that is a moot point.

>
>"Studies report noncompliance rates of 20-65% with stimulant
>treatment, although there are only limited published studies
>and these show considerable individual variation."
> (Swanson, J., "Compliance with stimulants for attention-
> deficit/hyperactivity disorder: issues and approaches
> for improviement", CNS Drugs 2003; 17(2): 117-31.)
>
>So, FTroop, you're blowing smoke.
>
> -- David Wright


WRONG!


Report: More young people abusing prescription drugs
WASHINGTON (AP) — A growing number of teenagers and young adults are abusing
prescription drugs, a government report says, with non-medical use of pain
relievers and tranquilizers reaching record highs.
In 2001, nearly 3 million young people, age 12 to 17, reported that they had
used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons at least once, the government
said. The number of new users has been climbing since the mid-1980s.

Federal officials, who released the report Thursday, were promoting their
education campaign highlighting the dangers of these drugs when used
improperly.

"Abuse of prescription drugs can lead to addiction, misdiagnosis of serious
illness, life-threatening circumstances and even death," said Charles Curie,
administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,
a branch of the Department of Health and Human Services, which released the
report Thursday.

He was being joined by officials from the Food and Drug Administration in
discouraging misuse of these drugs. The education effort includes posters,
brochures and print advertisements.

A companion report, based on a survey of hospital emergency rooms, found a
steady, significant rise in visits for opiate abuse since 1994.

In 2001, there were about 90,000 visits for abuse of these narcotics, a 117%
rise over 1994, according to data from the Drug Abuse Warning Network. The
largest increases were found in abuse of oxycodone, methadone and morphine.

The average age of these ER patients was 37.

The first report is based on the National Household Survey of Drug Abuse, an
annual survey that included 69,000 people in 2001. That includes more than
45,000 people age 12 to 25.

It found that in 2001, 36 million Americans — 16% of all people age 12 and up
— had used prescription drugs non-medically at least once in their lives.
That includes people who took a drug that had not been prescribed for them and
those who took drugs only for the experience or feeling they caused.

Among young adults, age 18 to 25, 7 million had used these drugs non-medically
at least once.

Among teens, girls were more likely than boys to have misused drugs; it was
opposite among young adults. Abuse was more common among whites than Hispanics,
blacks or Asians.

The number of new users has risen sharply since the mid-1980s. The number
misusing pain relievers climbed from about 400,000 then to 2 million in 2000.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
 
"David Wright" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> F Troop <[email protected]> wrote:
> >
>> >Hardly.

> >
> >The compliance rate of psychiatric treatments is said to be low relative

to
> >the 75-90% compliance rate to treatment for physiological conditions.

>
> "Is said to be?" By whom? You? Give me a cite or put a sock in it.


Do your own research.

>
> >The low compliance rate of those receiving psychiatric treatment means

one
> >can't dismiss the danger posed by the addictive properties of stimulants

by
> >assertions they are safe when taken as directed, where up to 65% of

people
> >don't take stimulants as directed.

>
> Hardly. "Up to 65%". Or maybe it's 20%. You don't know and neither
> do I. Nobody knows. So your claim of "most" is baseless.


Oh I get it.

You are one of those crackpots who make up both sides of the dialogue
because that is the only way you can be right.

You lose.

A poster sought to dismiss the danger of the addictive properties of Ritalin
by suggesting it's safe when taken as prescribed, when that doesn't make
prescribing less dangerous because not all people take it as prescribed.

Why can't people pushing these things admit that treatment of ADHD with
stimulants might help some people, but at the cost of all the many children
it puts on a road straight to hell?.

The psycho-pharmacology lottery with a few winners, and lot's of losers.
 
On Fri, 19 Sep 2003 17:40:25 GMT, "F Troop" <[email protected]> wrote:

>
>"Joe Parsons" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>
>>>> I have *never* backed away from substantiating my own statements.
>> >
>> >Really?
>> >
>> >Then please provide us a cite for each and every assertion you make in

>the 4
>> >pieces of propaganda you spam us with every Friday.

>>
>> Why don't you....

>
>Blah, blah, blah...whilst as always, refusing to provide us cites to
>substantiate every one of the assertions he makes in the propaganda he spams
>us with every friday.


There are plenty of cites, Linda--but you wouldn't know that, would you? You
don't bother reading them before you criticize them.

Joe Parsons
 
On Fri, 19 Sep 2003 19:31:28 GMT, [email protected] (David Wright) wrote:

>In article <[email protected]>,
>F Troop <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>"Jeff" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>news:[email protected]...
>>> Read the last paragraph of the article you cite:
>>> http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/cngrtest/ct051600.htm
>>>
>>> When taken as prescribed, methylphenidate is safe and effective.
>>>

>>
>>The compliance rate amongst people who are prescribed psychotropic drugs is
>>so low, that is a moot point.

>
>"Studies report noncompliance rates of 20-65% with stimulant
>treatment, although there are only limited published studies
>and these show considerable individual variation."
> (Swanson, J., "Compliance with stimulants for attention-
> deficit/hyperactivity disorder: issues and approaches
> for improviement", CNS Drugs 2003; 17(2): 117-31.)
>
>So, FTroop, you're blowing smoke.


Imagine our surprise.

Joe Parsons
 
On 18 Sep 2003 01:59:22 GMT, [email protected] (Jan) wrote:

>>Subject: Re: Drug Enforcement Agency: Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
>>From: Joe Parsons [email protected]
>>Date: 9/17/2003 5:36 PM Pacific Standard Time
>>Message-id: <[email protected]>
>>
>>On 17 Sep 2003 17:26:29 -0700, [email protected] (Theta) wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>U.S. Department of Justice
>>>Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
>>>Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section,1995
>>>Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
>>>
>>>1. Ritalin is a Schedule II stimulate, structurally and

>>
>>This is *not* a DEA or DoJ document--contrary to the way it has been
>>represented.
>>
>>Joe Parsons

>
>AND,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
>
>Your child takes Ritalin.


Really? Well, Jan, why don't you tell me my child's name? His or her age?
Dosage? What kinds of medications he or she takes, and since when?

Go ahead, Jan: prove you're not just blowing smoke.

I was quite prepared to continue being civil towards you, even ignore you
again--but here you go again, making wild, irresponsible statements about things
where you have absolutely no knowledge.

So tell me, Jan; tell me all about my child and the drugs he or she takes.

Joe Parsons

>
>Say no more.
>
>Jan
 
>Subject: Re: Drug Enforcement Agency: Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
>From: Joe Parsons [email protected]
>Date: 9/19/2003 3:49 PM Pacific Standard Time
>Message-id: <[email protected]>
>
>On Fri, 19 Sep 2003 19:31:28 GMT, [email protected] (David Wright)
>wrote:
>
>>In article <[email protected]>,
>>F Troop <[email protected]> wrote:
>>>
>>>"Jeff" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>news:[email protected]...
>>>> Read the last paragraph of the article you cite:
>>>> http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/cngrtest/ct051600.htm
>>>>
>>>> When taken as prescribed, methylphenidate is safe and effective.
>>>>
>>>
>>>The compliance rate amongst people who are prescribed psychotropic drugs is
>>>so low, that is a moot point.

>>
>>"Studies report noncompliance rates of 20-65% with stimulant
>>treatment, although there are only limited published studies
>>and these show considerable individual variation."
>> (Swanson, J., "Compliance with stimulants for attention-
>> deficit/hyperactivity disorder: issues and approaches
>> for improviement", CNS Drugs 2003; 17(2): 117-31.)
>>
>>So, FTroop, you're blowing smoke.

>
>Imagine our surprise.
>
>Joe Parsons


Imagine the debunkers sticking together, even when they are wrong.

Jan Drew

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2003-01-16-kids-drug_x.htm





Posted 1/16/2003 10:00 AM Updated 1/19/2003 8:12 PM














Report: More young people abusing prescription drugs
WASHINGTON (AP) — A growing number of teenagers and young adults are abusing
prescription drugs, a government report says, with non-medical use of pain
relievers and tranquilizers reaching record highs.
In 2001, nearly 3 million young people, age 12 to 17, reported that they had
used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons at least once, the government
said. The number of new users has been climbing since the mid-1980s.

Federal officials, who released the report Thursday, were promoting their
education campaign highlighting the dangers of these drugs when used
improperly.

"Abuse of prescription drugs can lead to addiction, misdiagnosis of serious
illness, life-threatening circumstances and even death," said Charles Curie,
administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,
a branch of the Department of Health and Human Services, which released the
report Thursday.

He was being joined by officials from the Food and Drug Administration in
discouraging misuse of these drugs. The education effort includes posters,
brochures and print advertisements.

A companion report, based on a survey of hospital emergency rooms, found a
steady, significant rise in visits for opiate abuse since 1994.

In 2001, there were about 90,000 visits for abuse of these narcotics, a 117%
rise over 1994, according to data from the Drug Abuse Warning Network. The
largest increases were found in abuse of oxycodone, methadone and morphine.

The average age of these ER patients was 37.

The first report is based on the National Household Survey of Drug Abuse, an
annual survey that included 69,000 people in 2001. That includes more than
45,000 people age 12 to 25.

It found that in 2001, 36 million Americans — 16% of all people age 12 and up
— had used prescription drugs non-medically at least once in their lives.
That includes people who took a drug that had not been prescribed for them and
those who took drugs only for the experience or feeling they caused.

Among young adults, age 18 to 25, 7 million had used these drugs non-medically
at least once.

Among teens, girls were more likely than boys to have misused drugs; it was
opposite among young adults. Abuse was more common among whites than Hispanics,
blacks or Asians.

The number of new users has risen sharply since the mid-1980s. The number
misusing pain relievers climbed from about 400,000 then to 2 million in 2000.





Posted 1/16/2003 10:00 AM Updated 1/19/2003 8:12 PM














Report: More young people abusing prescription drugs
WASHINGTON (AP) — A growing number of teenagers and young adults are abusing
prescription drugs, a government report says, with non-medical use of pain
relievers and tranquilizers reaching record highs.
In 2001, nearly 3 million young people, age 12 to 17, reported that they had
used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons at least once, the government
said. The number of new users has been climbing since the mid-1980s.

Federal officials, who released the report Thursday, were promoting their
education campaign highlighting the dangers of these drugs when used
improperly.

"Abuse of prescription drugs can lead to addiction, misdiagnosis of serious
illness, life-threatening circumstances and even death," said Charles Curie,
administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,
a branch of the Department of Health and Human Services, which released the
report Thursday.

He was being joined by officials from the Food and Drug Administration in
discouraging misuse of these drugs. The education effort includes posters,
brochures and print advertisements.

A companion report, based on a survey of hospital emergency rooms, found a
steady, significant rise in visits for opiate abuse since 1994.

In 2001, there were about 90,000 visits for abuse of these narcotics, a 117%
rise over 1994, according to data from the Drug Abuse Warning Network. The
largest increases were found in abuse of oxycodone, methadone and morphine.

The average age of these ER patients was 37.

The first report is based on the National Household Survey of Drug Abuse, an
annual survey that included 69,000 people in 2001. That includes more than
45,000 people age 12 to 25.

It found that in 2001, 36 million Americans — 16% of all people age 12 and up
— had used prescription drugs non-medically at least once in their lives.
That includes people who took a drug that had not been prescribed for them and
those who took drugs only for the experience or feeling they caused.

Among young adults, age 18 to 25, 7 million had used these drugs non-medically
at least once.

Among teens, girls were more likely than boys to have misused drugs; it was
opposite among young adults. Abuse was more common among whites than Hispanics,
blacks or Asians.

The number of new users has risen sharply since the mid-1980s. The number
misusing pain relievers climbed from about 400,000 then to 2 million in 2000.
 
On 19 Sep 2003 20:06:26 GMT, [email protected] (Jan) wrote:

>>Subject: Re: Drug Enforcement Agency: Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
>>From: Joe Parsons [email protected]
>>Date: 9/19/2003 8:04 AM Pacific Standard Time
>>Message-id: <[email protected]>
>>
>>On Fri, 19 Sep 2003 15:05:48 GMT, "F Troop" <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>>"Jeff" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>news:[email protected]...
>>>> Read the last paragraph of the article you cite:
>>>> http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/cngrtest/ct051600.htm
>>>>
>>>> When taken as prescribed, methylphenidate is safe and effective.
>>>>
>>>
>>>The compliance rate amongst people who are prescribed psychotropic drugs is
>>>so low, that is a moot point.

>>
>>Please provide a cite for this statement.
>>
>>Joe Parsons

>
>It's all over the place, look it up.
>
>What world are you living in??
>
>Read away.
>
>http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2003-01-16-kids-drug_x.htm


Oh. Right. McPaper (USA Today) as a primary source.

Did you bother to read that article, dear heart? If you had, you would have
learned that it did not substantiate Linda's assertion.

>http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=people+abusing+prescrip
>tion+drugs&btnG=Google+Search


Nor does this.

Joe Parsons