Ritalin and amphetamines actually share many similar properties and chemical structure with cocaine, the difference being that prescription drugs are released more gradually into the system, more gently elevating the dopamine level or serotonin level of the brain's chemistry, whereas when the same drug, or a drug such as cocaine is mainlined or snorted, or taken in heavier doses, the release of dopamine into the brain is much more rapid, causing an addictive rush. 

     In many respects amphetamines are like time released, slightly gentler cocaine. In this respect, a drug like  Ritalin or Adderall is said not to be physically addictive, as is cocaine, but there is a certain physical dependency that can develop. 

   Those who take such prescription stimulants generally do not escalate to use of illegal drugs, although the possibility of abuse of the particular drug one is being prescribed is always there. Teenagers sell such drugs on the street for money, which is one reason there is so much illegal trafficking of prescription drugs.
    
   Loss of appetite is one of the common side effects of amphetamines, for .1% of those who start stimulant use, it can result in bizarre, schizophrenic-like sypmtoms, hallucinations, voices. Other typical side effects are, upset stomach, nervousness, antsyness, as if one feels like he is "going to jump out of his skin," as related by a psychiatrist from Harvard University, Dr. John Ratey, are some of the other potential side effects.

 

 

School is usually where ADHD is first diagnosed in children.

*  Boys with ADHD outnumber 
   girls at least 2 to 1

*  Up to 10% of children in some states
   are diagnosed with ADHD.
 

* ADHD is international in scope. Brazil has an equal number of children as the

   U.S. with ADHD; and Columbia has twice as many diagnosed

 

Psychological addiction is possible even with prescription drugs and is listed as one of the side effects of many of the drugs currently used for treating the symptoms of mood disorders. Physical addiction is also possible, not so much in a craving for the drug, but in severe withdrawal symptoms if one misses doses or tries to come off the prescriptions.

Recently, the warnings appearing on packaging for  stimulant medications has been strengthened.  One of the  problems that has been implicated with stimulants is the doubling of the risk of strokes and serious arrhythmias, especially for adults or sudden deaths for children who have undetected heart defects. Structural heart problems in children often are undiagnosed because testing  can be expensive.  There are no tests have yet been run to determine long term effects of stimulants on the heart.  Black box warnings have been required (August ‘06) from the FDA for stimulant medications concerning this risk.

 

This warning for stimulants is now required:

 

Warning for stimulants:  Amphetamines have a high potential for abuse. Administration of amphetamines for prolonged periods of time may lead to drug dependence. Particular attention should be paid to the possibility of subjects obtaining amphetamines for non-therapeutic use or distribution to others and the drugs should be prescribed or dispensed sparingly. Misuse of amphetamine may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular adverse effects.