When taken as prescribed, RITALIN is a valuable medicine.

Research shows that:

1. People with ADHD do not become addicted to stimulant medications when taken in the form prescribed and at treatment dosages.

2. Another study found that ADHD boys treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate (RITALIN). are significantly less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol when they are older than are non-treated ADHD boys.

Because of its stimulant properties, however, in recent years there have been reports of abuse of RITALIN by people for whom it is not a medication.

Some individuals abuse it for its stimulant effects: appetite suppression, wakefulness, increased focus/attentiveness and euphoria.

When abused, the tablets are either taken orally or crushed and snorted. Some abusers dissolve the tablets in water and inject the mixture - complications can arise from this because insoluble fillers in the tablets can block small blood vessels.

RITALIN is being combined with Heroin and Cocaine to amplify the effects of both drugs