Ritalin is a medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) . However, some people without ADHD use Ritalin as a "study enhancer" to perform better on tests. While Ritalins effects on people with ADHD are well-studied, there isnt as much research on what happens when you take Ritalin without ADHD. Recent studies show that the use of methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Ritalin) without ADHD in college students occurs at rates anywhere between 14 and 38 percent. Here are some possible effects of taking Ritalin without ADHD:
- Side effects: Common Ritalin side effects include nervousness, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weight loss, dizziness, nausea and/or vomiting, and headache.
- Decreased productivity: A new study suggests that in people without ADHD, cognitive enhancers like Ritalin may actually inhibit performance and productivity. Participants who were high performers with a placebo also tended to show a bigger decrease in performance and productivity after receiving a drug.
- Dependency and addiction: Taking Ritalin without ADHD also presents the risk of dependency and addiction. Although ADHD medications like Ritalin aren’t as addictive as illegal stimulants like cocaine, both types of drugs influence dopamine levels in the brain and therefore have a similar mechanism of action.
In addition, recent research suggests that the use of Ritalin without a prescription can alter brain chemistry, affect risk-taking behavior, and cause sleep disruption and other undesirable effects. Therefore, taking Ritalin without ADHD can produce extreme and undesirable side effects. It is important to note that ADHD medications like Ritalin have been a safe and effective part of ADHD treatment for many years.
