Name: Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Class: CNS Stimulant
Mechanism: CNS Mechanism = Release of DA, NE, & 5HT from nerve terminals. Some blockade of reuptake of DA, NE, & 5HT. Weak inhib. of MAO. Produces elev. of mood, euphoria, alertness, ¯ sense of fatigue, ¯ food intake, periph. sympathomimetic effects.
Absorption: Oral ® good bioavail.
Dist.: Crosses BBB.
Metabolism.:
Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s: Irritability & manic behavior (large doses). Prolonged use ® toxic psychosis (looks like paranoid schiz.). Produces psych dependence (depression on w/drawal). C/I: hyperthyroidism, mod-severe hypertension, hist. of drug abuse, glaucoma, hist. of hypersens. or idiosync. to sympathomimetic amines.
Utility: Treat ADHD, narcolepsy.
Special Features: Not Metabolism. by COMT. Decreased Metabolism. by MAO.