Ritalin, abuse injecting

Pentazocine (Talwin) (see also page 252) Street Names Crackers, poor man s h oin, T s and R s> Ts and Rits (all refer to combinations w/ Ritalin) (brands Talwin, Talwin Nx [CIV]) Use Medically used as opioid analgesic euphoria similar to heroin when mixed w/antihistamines combined w/ methylphenidate (Ritalin) is new abuse combination Actions Agonist-antagonist narcotic naloxone, a narcotic antagonist added to Talwin (Talwin NX) has reduced incidence of abuse Effects Euphoria, hallucinations, skin necrosis w/ illicit injection route... 

Despite this evidence, most Ritalin advocates deny the drug s potential for abuse. For example, Russell Barkley, the author of Taking Charge of ADHD, states, No, Ritalin is not addictive—when taken orally. For this drug to be potentially addictive, it has to be crushed and inhaled nasally, or injected, and that has to be done repeatedly. He also claims that there is no risk of addiction when the drug is taken orally as prescribed. 29... 

Controlled stimulants that are frequently abused include amphetamines, methylphenidate, metham-phetamine, and cocaine. Amphetamine, methamphet-amine, methylphenidate, and cocaine can be smoked, inhaled, ingested, and injected. Methamphetamine s effects can last up to 6 h. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a sustained release product and can last up to 12 h. Cocaine s effects last only about 1 h. These drugs have significant potential for abuse and addiction. 

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