Ritalin Street Names | Warnings Of ADHD Street Drugs
Ritalin is a brand name stimulant drug that’s available on the street or illegal drug market. Ritalin, or methylphenidate, goes by street names such as diet coke, kibbles, and vitamin r.
Methylphenidate (brand name Ritalin) is a prescription stimulant medication used to treat symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The prescription drug can also be used to help those suffering from narcolepsy or other sleeping disorders.
As a Schedule II controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), abusing this central nervous system (CNS) stimulant can lead to psychological or physical dependence.
Those not prescribed Ritalin may seek to experience the desired stimulant effects, turning to street drugs to fuel their prescription drug addiction.
Common Street Names Of Ritalin
Ritalin is known by various street names on the illegal drug market, including:
- kiddie coke
- skittles
- skippy
- r-ball
- kiddie cocaine
- kibbles
- vitamin r
Stimulant drugs on the black market may also be known as uppers, speed, or beanies.
Warnings Of Ritalin Abuse
Some of the common side effects associated with Ritalin use include:
- weight loss
- increased blood pressure
- loss of appetite
- nervousness
- restlessness
- dry mouth
- headache
There are also warnings for those who participate in Ritalin abuse by purchasing it as a street drug. For instance, the lack of quality control with the pills can lead to cross-contamination, and mixing Ritalin with other substances can lead to dangerous effects.
Drug Interactions
Various drug interactions can take place if Ritalin is combined with other drugs, including:
- alcohol
- hallucinogens such as LSD (acid) and MDMA (ecstasy)
- amphetamine and methylphenidate medications used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) such as Adderall or Concerta
- benzodiazepines or “benzos” such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax)
- opioid painkillers such as oxycodone (Oxycontin), hydrocodone (hydro), Percocet (percs), codeine, and fentanyl
- PCP or ketamine
- methamphetamine
Withdrawal Symptoms
Ritalin substance use, when abruptly stopped, can create serious withdrawal symptoms. Those participating in snorting, injecting, or smoking Ritalin may experience more severe symptoms. This includes mental health issues like depression as well as intense drug cravings.
Ritalin Overdose
Those who participate in Ritalin substance abuse may be more susceptible to a drug overdose. If you combine medications or receive Ritalin off the street, you may have an increased risk of overdose.
Symptoms of a Ritalin overdose, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), can include:
- aggression
- muscle pain
- confusion
- rapid heart rate
- panic states
- hallucinations or psychosis
- tremors
- fever
If an overdose is suspected, contact 911 immediately and seek urgent medical attention.
Ritalin Addiction Treatment
If you, a family member, or a loved one are struggling with prescription drug use in Ohio, consider the treatment options at Ohio Recovery Center. Our healthcare representatives can tailor a treatment program designed for your individual needs.
We provide detox and other evidence-based practices at our residential addiction treatment center. To learn more about our treatment plans, please contact us today.
- Drug Enforcement Administration https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2023-02/Amphetamines%202022%20Drug%20Fact%20Sheet_0.pdf
- Food and Drug Administration https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/010187s077lbl.pdf
- National Institutes of Health https://www.nihlibrary.nih.gov/resources/subject-guides/opioids/street-commercial-names
- National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682188.html
