Methylphenidate is a drug similar in action to that of amphetamines and is commonly prescribed medically for treatment of ADHD in children (Sussman et al, 2006). The illegal use of this drug is increasing among the children and young people going to schools and colleges. These drugs help an individual to stay awake and improve his attention. Thus they are commonly abused by young people to improve their grades during exams, thus they are often known as “study drugs” (Sussman et al, 2006).
Extended release formulations of the drug (usually available in form of capsules) are as commonly abused as the shorter acting preparations. The individuals abuse this drug by breaking open the content of the capsule and inhaling them by applying them over the nasal mucosa (snorting). Long term use of these drugs can result in development of tolerance and physical dependence. Sudden stoppage of this drug can result in development of withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, depression, unpleasant dreams, increased sleep, increased appetite, irritability etc (Sussman et al, 2006).
Central Nervous System Depressants Drugs belonging to this class (barbiturates, benzodiazepines, chloral hydrate, alcohol, Gamma hydroxybutyric acid) have been commonly prescribed medically since a long time to induce sleep and to obtain relief from stress and anxiety. These drugs are commonly known as sedatives, tranquilizers, hypnotics and anti-anxiety medicines and produce their affect by depressing the central nervous system (USDOJ, 2005). Barbiturates are primarily used for producing preoperative sedation and induction of anesthesia prior to surgery.
Benzodiazepines are medically used for producing sedation and inducing sleep, for reducing anxiety and preventing seizures. These drugs, especially barbiturates and benzodiazepines are nowadays being commonly used illegally. These drugs commonly produce a state of intoxication which is similar to that of alcohol intoxication and include slurred speech, lost of motor coordination and impaired judgment (USDOJ, 2005). Regular use of barbiturates can result in development of tolerance, physical and psychological dependence.
Development of tolerance often causes the individual to consume barbiturates in a dosage which may at times become more than the lethal dose resulting in development of coma and death. In the mildest form, withdrawal symptoms resulting from reduction or stoppage of these drugs can lead to insomnia (lack of sleep) and anxiety, tremors, weakness, delirium, seizures etc. Withdrawal symptoms associated with central nervous depressant in their severest form can even prove fatal at times (USDOJ, 2005).