Ritalin is a prescription medication and the brand name for methylphenidate hydrochloride, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that treats symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy.

Ritalin is available as a tablet that can be crushed and snorted. In fact, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), those who abuse Ritalin may choose to snort the crushed tablet or combine a crushed tablet with water to use for injection.

These types of prescription drug abuse cause intense euphoric effects as well as a number of dangers. When it comes to the insufflation of stimulant medications, snorting Ritalin can cause one to experience a number of concerning side effects.

Side Effects Of Snorting Ritalin

Primarily used for the treatment of ADHD, the use of Ritalin can also extend to drug abuse. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), this ADHD medication may be abused due to the euphoric effects it causes.

Because this prescription stimulant has a high potential for abuse, it is a schedule II controlled substance. Other schedule II drugs include Concerta, Adderall (amphetamine), and methamphetamine.

The use of Ritalin by insufflation increases the neurotransmitter dopamine at a rapid rate, therefore causing a more potent high from the stimulant drug. Partaking in this type of Ritalin abuse can cause serious health problems.

Short-Term Side Effects

Some of the short-term side effects of snorting Ritalin include:

• intense euphoria
• wakefulness
• nervousness
• loss of appetite
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• drowsiness

Long-Term Side Effects

Those who snort Ritalin long-term may experience:

• nasal damage
• high blood pressure
• irregular heartbeats or palpitations
• psychosis
• heart rate fluctuations
• infections
• fainting
• tics
• hallucinations
• depression or mental illness

Dangers Of Snorting Ritalin

In addition to the serious side effects of abusing Ritalin by insufflation, other dangers can occur.

Nasal Passage Damage

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that snorting Ritalin can lead to:

• recurring nose bleeds
• loss of smell
• a deviated septum
• damage to the nasal cavity
• bacterial infections

One of the dangers of snorting Ritalin is the severe damage that can be caused to your nose. When Ritalin is snorted, it irritates the mucous membranes within the nasal passage.

Over time, these membranes can become damaged and lead to bacterial infections or frequent nose bleeds.

Overdose

Those who snort Ritalin in high doses to achieve greater euphoric effects may experience an overdose. Some of the symptoms of a Ritalin overdose include:

• confusion
• seizures
• restlessness
• muscle twitching
• loss of consciousness
• diarrhea
• sweating
• nausea
• agitation

The risk of overdose is increased if you combine Ritalin with illicit drugs like methamphetamine or heroin, or with prescription drugs like benzodiazepines or opioids.

Stimulant Addiction

Long-term prescription stimulant abuse, which includes snorting a drug like Ritalin, can lead to a substance use disorder. Substance use disorder, or addiction, is defined as continuing to use drugs despite harmful consequences.

Stimulant addiction can also lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop use, which range from paranoia and intense drug cravings to fatigue and anxiety.

Ritalin Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use, begin your road to recovery today by receiving addiction treatment from a trusted healthcare provider.

At Northeast Addictions Treatment Center, we provide:

• cognitive behavioral therapy
• group therapy
• day treatment programs
• aftercare resources

To learn more about our outpatient treatment options, please contact our helpline today.