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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by NKP on May 10, 2021, at 4:38:31
I've seen different opinions on this.
Posted by Christ_empowered on May 10, 2021, at 8:26:30
In reply to Is Concerta addictive?, posted by NKP on May 10, 2021, at 4:38:31
hi. Ritalin preparations are -thought- to be less addictive and...in general, less problematic (less psychosis, agitation, mania, mood instability, euphoria, dosage escalation)...than the amphetamine preparations.
way back when, a 'patient advocacy group' actually pushed to have the various forms of Ritalin moved from Schedule II (where it is currently...no refills, new written prescription for each supply, same Schedule as amphetamines, the few remaining barbiturates, and many pain killers) into Schedule III (limited refills allowed, recognized as potentially addictive, but fewer restrictions), and then...
a bit of research uncovered the source of the group's funding: drug companies involved in the ADD/ADHD pharmaceutical business. oops.
but...dating back to the 50s and 60s, when uppers by prescription were commonly prescribed by both family doctors and shrinks...
Ritalin was regarded as milder, a better cardio-effect profile, and less likely to trigger the same level of problems (drug seeking, and also negative reactions, such as panic and agitation) vs the various amphetamine products available then (and...now, too, though doctors don't use prescription methamphetamine nearly as often).
history lesson aside, I'd personally vote for Concerta and other sustained- and extended-release forms of Ritalin as probably considerably less addictive than any amphetamine product I can think of...
but not risk free. I would think there might be a higher risk (?) when using it for mood problems vs attention problems, but I could obviously be mistaken.
hope this helps.
Posted by undopaminergic on May 10, 2021, at 9:55:14
In reply to Is Concerta addictive?, posted by NKP on May 10, 2021, at 4:38:31
> I've seen different opinions on this.
Concerta is a drug that often works, in one or more ways, such as to make you less tired and more awake. Therefore, its users tend to want to use it again.
Addictive, well, it depends on how you define it. It is possible to crave it. I have done so myself, because I had apathy and suicidal ideation without it. However, the craving was not due to being addicted to it.
-undopaminergic
Posted by Petermartin on May 10, 2021, at 18:05:22
In reply to Is Concerta addictive?, posted by NKP on May 10, 2021, at 4:38:31
Concert is less a potential drug of abuse than immediate release ritalin (or adderall) as it uses a special delivery system. You cant crush it up an insufflate it (snort) nor get a quick boost w.o. the slow release.
In general though, in my experience, ritalin is definitely somewhat addictive. Especially if you get euphoria when you first start taking it. I definitely have a period of withdrawal when stopping after a period of time using it. Mainly just depression for a few days but it really depends on the dose and how long you used it for.
Posted by rjlockhart37 on May 11, 2021, at 19:31:35
In reply to Is Concerta addictive?, posted by NKP on May 10, 2021, at 4:38:31
yes, concerta is kinda old term now, when it came out, it was advertised to be less absulable, you can't break the tablet or the hard pill, and it lasts through the day long. It's taken once daily, usally. Concerta is old, but still good. I don't know, because if you take once a day, then you don't redose. Concerta i think last, 10-12 hours, it's a sustained relase. When dexedrine spansules came out in the ... 50s, 60s, it was sustained release but you break open the spansule, and crush the beads. It happened in 50s-60s when it was released. I think that's why they made the sustained release tablet unbreakable, so you can't crush it. It's usally a once a day med of adhd, it's harder to abuse, because insomnia would happen if you took it later in the day
Posted by Lamdage22 on May 12, 2021, at 2:57:38
In reply to Re: Is Concerta addictive?, posted by rjlockhart37 on May 11, 2021, at 19:31:35
Enhancing Dopamine can be addictive. I found the feeling of MAOI quite intoxicating. Made me use them a few too many times, which didn't help me. Caution is advised with Dopamine.
Posted by stargazer2 on June 15, 2021, at 22:27:56
In reply to Re: Is Concerta addictive?, posted by Lamdage22 on May 12, 2021, at 2:57:38
Ive been on Ritalin and Nardil for several years and I do not have cravings ever for it. I often even forget to take it. I have not had to increase my dosage which could be a sign in others that they will need more of any substance that makes them feel better. Or they can get habituated to a drug and will lose the effect at the same level and will need increases in a medication to get the same effect. Doctors are not going to just increase drug doses so I guess some of these drugs might only be prescribed for those who are able to stay within the recommended dose ranges. Anyone needing increases in a stimulant or other meds that are considered addictive will not be a good candidate for certain drugs. Just my opinion and belief having worked with patients and seeing drug variation among individuals.
I suppose it can also have to do with whether you have an addictive personality or not. If you do I suspect that any agent that makes you feel more awake or alert, or more relaxed, can cause you to want a higher dose to give you that effect at a more sustained level.
For someone with no addictive tendencies, this will not usually not be a problem.I think those with addictive tendencies can be more difficult to treat for any condition where initial prescribing doses are never are able to be sustained. In those cases you have to look to see if these patients might also be ingesting alcohol or other drugs, while on the drugs prescibed by a psychatrist. Those people will have a higher tolerance for any psych med, esp stims and perhaps any AD that causes a stimulant effect.
This is the end of the thread.
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