Ritalin withdrawal requires safe, secure treatment, often in a detox center, but sometimes, a person can safely withdraw from the drug with the help of their doctor. In general, though, it is important to understand how this issue is treated and to seek help if you are experiencing it. Call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) today to find reliable detox centers where you can recover from Ritalin dependence.
What Are the Symptoms of Ritalin Withdrawal?
Ritalin (also known as methylphenidate) can be a dangerous drug if taken in larger doses than prescribed or if taken by those not meant to use the drug. Normally, this medication treats ADHD but some individuals take it to experience a euphoric high, to increase their performance levels in school or sports, or to become more sociable at parties.
According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, “The basic molecule of amphetamine can be modified to emphasize specific actions… for certain mediations,” and this is how methylphenidate is formed. Therefore, the drug causes withdrawal symptoms similar to those caused by amphetamine dependence, including:
Fatigue and agitation are common Ritalin withdrawal symptoms.
- Fatigue
- Agitation
- Nightmares
- Hypersomnia
- An inability to feel pleasure
- General discomfort
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Intense cravings
- Stimulant-induced psychosis
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Hostile behavior
- Violent outbursts
- Suicidal and homicidal thoughts
How Are These Symptoms Treated?
In general, the symptoms of Ritalin withdrawal are treated in much the same way as the symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal are. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “There are no medications that are FDA-approved for treating stimulant addiction,” but certain pharmacological options can be beneficial during detox. These can include:
Antidepressants for the treatment of mild to severe depression
- It is common for an individual to experience depressive symptoms as the result of prescription stimulant withdrawal. This can be extremely dangerous in some cases, even leading to suicidal thoughts.
- As such, every individual going through withdrawal from a stimulant drug must be tested for depression, and medication should not be withheld if it can be helpful toward the treatment of one’s symptoms.
Anticraving agents for the treatment of intense cravings
- As stated by the US Department of Veteran Affairs, “Anticraving agents with a fast onset of action may be helpful during the early withdrawal period.”
Neuroleptics for the treatment of psychosis
- Psychosis is, unfortunately, even more likely to occur with the abuse of prescription stimulants than with the abuse of cocaine, and sometimes, pharmacological intervention is necessary.
- Certain patients may need to be placed in a dark room with little to no stimulation and given medication that sedates them until they stop experiencing these symptoms.
In addition, behavioral therapy can also be beneficial for the treatment of one’s mental state during withdrawal. Most of the issues associated with Ritalin dependence and its withdrawal symptoms are psychological, and behavioral therapy can help patients work through them. This is usually best utilized after an individual’s initial crash period––and especially after severe psychotic symptoms begin to subside––but it can be essential in helping patients through withdrawal.
Do Those Dependent on Ritalin Need Detox?
It is important for someone experiencing Ritalin withdrawal to consider why this issue is occurring. If you were taking Ritalin exactly as prescribed by your doctor and want to stop, it is possible that you will experience withdrawal symptoms, but you are not addicted. You will need to be slowly weaned off the drug by your doctor. You should never change your prescription without making sure this change is approved by your doctor first.
However, if you have been abusing Ritalin frequently and are experiencing issues with this misuse, it is possible you have become addicted. You may need to attend professional detox in a rehab center in order to safely go through your withdrawal. This is also true if you are experiencing severe psychotic symptoms, as these can make you extremely dangerous to yourself and others.
Compulsive substance abuse requires treatment beyond detox; the NIDA states that one must also seek addiction treatment after detox or they will not be able to recover fully from addiction. Whatever your current state, it is important to seek help for your withdrawal symptoms and to consider if you are experiencing any other issues as well.
Let Us Help You Find the Right Treatment
Call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) today. We will ensure that you or your loved one is able to find the best option available for Ritalin detox and addiction treatment.