Methylphenidate is a prescription medication that treats sleep-related disorders like narcolepsy and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Ritalin is the most common brand name for methylphenidate. It also happens to be one of the most widely prescribed prescription stimulants in the U.S. Methylphenidate is a short-acting stimulant drug and has a particularly short half-life.
Table of Contents
- 1 The Half-Life of Methylphenidate Depending On the Dose
- 2 Methylphenidate Potentially Causes Lasting Damage To the Physical Body
- 3 Symptoms of Prescription Stimulant Abuse and Dependence
- 4 Withdrawal Symptoms During Methylphenidate Detox
- 5 Get Started with Our Simple Admissions Process
- 6 Don’t Delay, Reach Professional Help at Allure Detox.
The Half-Life of Methylphenidate Depending On the Dose
The half-life of methylphenidate is between 2 and 3 hours, and this is the total amount of time the medication takes to start leaving the system after administration. Ritalin rarely accumulates in the cells, meaning that standard drug tests cannot detect the substance once it has passed through the system.
Methylphenidate Potentially Causes Lasting Damage To the Physical Body
However, if this medication is abused for a prolonged period, it can do severe and potentially lasting damage to the physical body. If you or someone you love has been struggling with a prescription stimulant abuse disorder, Allure Detox is available to help. Our effective medical detox program combines medication-assisted treatment options with around-the-clock supervision and a range of additional treatment services.
Upon admission to our detox program, each of our clients is assigned a case manager to help them make a seamless transition into drug rehab or whichever level of clinical care is deemed the most appropriate. Call us today to learn more.
Symptoms of Prescription Stimulant Abuse and Dependence
Suppose you believe that you or someone close to you has struggled with a methylphenidate abuse disorder or a substance abuse disorder involving any other prescription drug. In that case, there are several telltale symptoms to keep an eye out for. For example, people who are abusing a prescription stimulant like Ritalin might exhibit the following behaviors:
- Drug-seeking behaviors could include attempting to obtain more than one written prescription at a time, stealing medications from family members or friends, or purchasing medication from a drug dealer.
- Appearing jittery, wide awake, and experiencing higher energy levels than are typical.
- Experiencing a significant lack of appetite and losing weight as a result.
- Unexplainable mood swings — the person might appear happy and content one moment and angry, irritated, and restless the next moment.
- I was taking a higher dose than was initially recommended by a medical professional for a more extended period than intended.
- Attempting to cut back on prescription stimulant use or quit entirely, but unable to do so without professional intervention.
- Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when methylphenidate use is suddenly stopped.
Withdrawal Symptoms During Methylphenidate Detox
The symptoms associated with methylphenidate withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable when left untreated. Therefore, at Allure Detox, we use a combination of evidence-based detox approaches to make the process as pain-free as possible. Symptoms associated with methylphenidate withdrawal include:
- Body tremors and uncontrollable shaking
- Anxiety, which can lead to hyperventilation and panic attacks
- Body aches and pains
- General feelings of physical discomfort
- Restlessness and irritability
- Persistent headaches
- Insomnia and other sleep-related issues
- Intense drug cravings
The majority of these symptoms can be easily treated in a medical detox facility. However, attempting to detox on your own or quit cold turkey is never a good idea, seeing as symptoms are uncomfortable enough to lead you straight back to drug use before the withdrawal process is complete.
Get Started with Our Simple Admissions Process
At Allure Detox, we have developed an admissions process that is simple and uncomplicated to help you or your loved one receive professional addiction treatment as quickly as possible. The moment you reach out, you will be in touch with one of our admissions counselors, who will help determine whether or not our detox program is the best fit for you.
Don’t Delay, Reach Professional Help at Allure Detox.
From start to finish, our admissions process can be completed in under 30 minutes — and as soon as the admissions process is complete, we will have set up a date and a time for your intake.
At Allure Detox, we believe in accessible, affordable, and effective treatment options. To learn more, you may contact us at any time; as we have addiction specialists standing by at all hours, they will gladly help you find the best treatment program for you.