Quick info
Ritalin®, Concerta®, Focalin XR® and Medikinet MR® are medicines containing the amphetamine-like active ingredient methylphenidate. They are mainly prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Taking methylphenidate increases the concentration of the nerve messengers dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin in the brain. When prescribed for ADHD, the drug is supposed to act as a filter for incoming stimuli and alleviate symptoms such as distractibility, attention deficit disorder, disorganisation and impulsivity.
However, due to its stimulating, energising and drive-enhancing properties, methylphenidate is also used as a party drug or to increase performance. Due to the increased release of dopamine, similar effects occur as with the use of cocaine.
Light: 20 - 40 mg
Medium: 40 - 60 mg
Strong: 60 - 80 mg
Ritalin is swallowed, snorted, rarely smoked or injected.
Onset of effect
after approx. 30 minutes (after up to 2 hours in the retarded form).
Duration of action
approx. 4 - 8 hours (in the case of sustained-release tablets, the active substance is released with a delay over a longer period).
Risks
If prescribed by a doctor or used as directed, sleep disturbances and irritability can often occur. Eating disorders, stomach complaints, nausea and vomiting are also known side effects.
Abusive use and higher doses can lead to seizures, cardiac arrhythmias as well as headaches and confusion.
Overdose
Tolerance develops relatively quickly, which is why higher and higher doses have to be consumed. In overdose, Ritalin can trigger hallucinations.
Long-term risks/consequences
It is assumed that no dependence develops with therapeutic use of Ritalin. When abusing higher doses over a longer period of time, psychological dependence may develop. With abrupt discontinuation, withdrawal symptoms such as lethargy, apathy, depression and paranoia may occur.
If possible, do not consume methylphenidate intravenously. Due to the substances contained in the tablets, embolism (blockage of lung or brain vessels) can occur.
Caution when mixing with psychedelic substances (such as LSD, DMT, mescaline, etc.). The combination with the stimulant methylphenidate can increase feelings of anxiety and mind spinning.
Mixed use of methylphenidate and tramadol should be avoided, as both substances increase the risk of stroke.
Methylphenidate must not be combined with MAO inhibitors (such as antidepressants).
LSD analogues are substances that are chemically very similar to LSD and can have comparable effects. Some of them have been known for a long time (e.g. ALD52, ETH-LAD, AL-LAD, PRO-LAD etc.) and have been studied pharmacologically as well as psychopharmacologically, at least in part. Others are newer "creations" (e.g. the derivatives 1P-LSD,1B-LSD, 1cP-LSD, 1V-LSDetc.), for which only few or no data are available. Certain LSD analogues can (still) be legally produced, traded and consumed in some countries, which is the main reason for their distribution.
Most LSD analogues are naturally different from LSD in their effect and/or potency (e.g. ETH-LAD, AL-LAD, LSZ etc.). In contrast, the so-called 1-acylated LSD compounds (e.g. 1P-LSD, 1V-LSD, 1B-LSD, ALD-52, etc.) are presumed, on the basis of pharmacological studies, to convert into LSD in the body (they function as so-called prodrugs) and thus have a comparable psychoactive effect to LSD.
In the case of prodrugs of LSD and LSD analogues, it has not been conclusively clarified whether, in addition to their psychoactive effect, they can produce other pharmacological effects. How potent these prodrugs are compared to the resulting substance (e.g., 1P-LSD to LSD), and to what extent a delay in onset of action occurs in each case, may be substance-dependent and cannot be generalized. Therefore, it is important to approach the dose/effect carefully to avoid overdoses.
If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or alcohol, call an ambulance on 144. Tell the emergency responders everything you know.
It could save lives.