THE IRRATIONAL USE OF RITALIN TO IMPROVE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Abstract

Methylphenidate Hydrochloride [(dl-threo-methyl-2-phenyl-2-(2-piperidicyl) acetate], known as Ritalin®, is a psychotropic drug generally used by people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Narcolepsy. As it is a medication that acts on the Central Nervous System (CNS) releasing Noradrenaline and Dopamine in the synaptic clefts, causing excitement in the post-synaptic receptors and altering the user's cognitive functions, use for non-therapeutic purposes is being increasingly increasingly common. Through the bibliographic survey, the results found in the samples found that Methylphenidate is the most consumed psychostimulant in the world, with pharmacological characteristics similar to amphetamines, therefore with great potential for abuse of use. It was possible to notice that the indiscriminate use of Methylphenidate has been frequently performed by many people, especially students, in order to improve academic performance, self-medication of the drug can lead to serious complications and the appearance of serious adverse effects, mainly cardiovascular events such as tachycardia and hypertension, psychiatric disorders such as depression, psychosis and chemical dependency, as well as neurological system such as dyskinesia (abnormal and involuntary movements), involuntary muscle contractions and spasms, among others.