Metadate ER Addiction: Signs and Side Effects of Metadate ER Abuse

Metadate ER is a central nervous system stimulant that’s often prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. It’s also been approved to treat narcolepsy. “ER” stands for “extended-release,” as this version of the medication is released slowly over time.

Despite being medically effective in treating ADHD, Metadate ER also has the potential to be abused or misused. For example, people will abuse the medication to stay awake, improve focus or lose weight. It’s not uncommon for people prescribed this medication or who are taking it recreationally or misusing it to become dependent on or addicted to it.

This article will explore the risks behind Metadate ER misuse, as well as how to recognize the signs and side effects of Metadate ER misuse or addiction. If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, this article can provide information to help you choose possible next steps.

NOTE: Metadate ER has been discontinued under its original brand name in the United States, but generic versions may be available. Other medications with the same active ingredient, methylphenidate, are available, including those under the brand names Ritalin, Concerta and Jornay PM.

Metadate ER carries with it a moderate risk for addiction. For that reason, people should be monitored closely by their doctor while taking it by prescription.

Like other stimulants used to treat ADHD, Metadate ER raises levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in synapses between neurons in the brain. These important neurotransmitters are responsible for attention, motivation and controlling impulsivity.

Because of its active ingredient methylphenidate, Metadate ER acts as a reuptake inhibitor of both dopamine and norepinephrine. People with ADHD often have dysregulations in these neurotransmitters, and these medications can help put their brain neurochemistry back in balance.

Misusing Metadate ER, such as taking larger doses than prescribed, taking any amounts if not prescribed or crushing and snorting the pills, can lead to the development of an addiction. Because the effects are more potent when crushed or snorted, using in this manner will promote a more rapid development of tolerance and eventually, a more rapid downward spiral into an addiction.

Metadate ER can also create euphoria, in addition to helping with alertness, concentration and impulse control. Those using the drug in a work or school setting to improve their performance without a prescription or above their prescribed amount may start to feel like they can no longer function or perform without it. Changes occur in the brain that make it increasingly difficult to control use, the more it’s misused.

While Metadate abuse or misuse and Metadate addiction are closely related, it’s essential to understand the difference, as this can help in navigating treatment options and goals.

Misusing Metadate ER means taking the drug recreationally without a prescription. It can also be abused even with a prescription, if you’re taking too much or taking it in ways not instructed. Most people don’t necessarily set out to misuse a drug their doctor has prescribed them for their ADHD.

Examples of misuse include:

• Taking a friend’s prescription a couple of times a semester before big exams
• Taking an extra dose once or twice to stay awake and alert while at work
• Using it once in a while and not experiencing any withdrawal symptoms or cravings for it when not taking it
• Crushing the pills or snorting them to experience a quicker, more intense euphoria

Being addicted to Metadate means engaging in a compulsive use of Metadate ER despite it causing harm or having other negative consequences, including physical l dependence, negative psychological consequences and negative health consequences. People exhibiting prescription stimulant addiction signs often know that they should stop taking the drug, but don’t know how to do so safely or have tried on their own without success. They have high levels of craving and start to feel like their use is out of their control.

Symptoms of addiction include:

• Feeling depressed or anxious between doses of the drug
• Needing Metadate ER to get through the day, even when not working or in school
• Using more of the pills than originally intended or having a hard time “quitting” use

If you’re concerned about yourself or someone you love, knowing the signs of Metadate ER addiction is vital, and early intervention is critical with stimulant abuse.

Someone abusing a stimulant medication may exhibit both physical and behavioral signs of misuse. The longer and more intensely a person misuses Metadate ER, the more obvious the signs of their stimulant drug behavior and addiction will become.

Behavioral signs of Metadate addiction include:

• Doctor shopping
• Obsessing over prescriptions
• Using more than prescribed
• Mood swings or irritability
• Isolation from friends/family
• Neglecting responsibilities

Physical signs of Metadate addiction include:

• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Dry mouth
• Excessive sweating
• Dilated pupils
• Unexplained weight loss
• Poor hygiene

The signs of Metadate ER addiction can be subtle at first, mainly because the effects can seem so positive initially, since they can improve ADHD symptoms and mood. Tolerance to the medication usually develops gradually, and people may not even notice that they’ve developed an addiction until they try to stop taking it.

While the withdrawal symptoms of Metadate ER aren’t as life-threatening as those with other substances, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, stopping the drug abruptly can still be dangerous.

As with most substances, withdrawal effects and stimulant comedown symptoms of Metadate ER can be most serious when you stop taking the drug suddenly. Serious effects may be more likely for people on high doses, taking it long-term or using it by crushing and snorting it.

Withdrawal symptoms of Metadate ER include:

• Extreme fatigue or sleepiness
• Depression or low mood
• Anxiety or panic
• Mood swings
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Headaches
• Body aches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep problems
• Slowed heart rate
• Strong cravings to use the drug again
• Worsening ADHD symptoms

Despite it being an extended-release version, withdrawal can happen quickly with Metadate ER because methylphenidate has a short half-life and starts to wear off within 8 to 12 hours. The medication can also create a neurochemical deficit of dopamine and norepinephrine if it’s suddenly removed, also resulting in fast methylphenidate withdrawal effects.

Even someone who isn’t addicted but is misusing Metadate ER may experience negative consequences of the misuse. For example, Someone crushing and snorting Metadate ER may severely damage their nasal cavity. Taking excessive doses can also cause a variety of medical and psychological problems.

Physical side effects of Metadate ER include:

• Increased heart rate
• Heart palpitations and chest pain
• Increased blood pressure
• Headaches and dizziness
• Insomnia and trouble sleeping
• Blurred vision
• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Muscle twitching

Psychological side effects of Metadate ER include:

• Paranoia or anxiety
• Aggression or hostility
• Severe mood swings
• Depression
• Obsessive focus
• Psychosis

Long-term stimulant abuse and high-dose misuse of ADHD stimulant medications can have many health risks, several of which are life-threatening. Some of these risks, such as cardiovascular risks, can be especially dangerous for people with pre-existing conditions.

Health risks associated with long-term or high-dose misuse include:

• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
• Increased risk of sudden cardiac death
• Development of heart arrhythmias and other heart problems
• Severe depression
• Sleep disorders
• Drug-induced psychosis
• Cognitive impairment
• Dopamine dysregulation
• Significant weight loss and malnutrition
• Dental problems
• Abscesses or necrosis at injection sites
• Seizures
• Sudden death

Anyone can be at risk for Metadate ER addiction. While being prescribed the drug can increase your risk, it isn’t the only risk factor.

Certain groups of people tend to be more prone to addiction in general, while even more specific groups of people are prone to stimulant addiction in particular. Because of this, doctors typically monitor people at high risk of Metadate addiction closely after prescribing it to them.

Groups most vulnerable to stimulant addiction include:

• Teens and college students
• Individuals with a family history of substance use disorders
• Individuals with a history of substance use disorders
• People with untreated mental health conditions
• People with undiagnosed ADHD
• People who have easy access to the drug
• Those in high-pressure academic or work environments

People can be genetically predisposed to both ADHD and addiction, increasing their likelihood of being prescribed a medication like Metadate ER as well as their risk of having issues with it once prescribed. Someone with a family member with a prescription has easier access to the drug within their own home, and may feel a false sense of safety around it if they believe it helps someone in their family.

If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one and their Metadate ER use, seek a diagnosis as soon as possible, as early intervention is crucial.

Medical professionals can diagnose addiction in several different ways. Many physicians will want to test across multiple areas before confirming a Metadate ER addiction diagnosis.

Methods of diagnosing Metadate addiction include:

The more official term for addiction within the mental health field is “use disorder.” A stimulant or substance use disorder (SUD) classification in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is made after a qualified professional performs a full assessment involving:

• Assessment of frequency, control, impact and cravings
• Behavioral health screenings and clinical interviews
• Mental health screenings to test for co-occurring disorders
• Toxicology screenings to confirm the presence of other substances
• Input from family and caregivers, especially in the case of teens or young adults

Addiction to Metadate ER is a complex and risky situation, and should only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional. Assistance from medical providers can also help with safe withdrawal management.

Once you receive a diagnosis, your addiction team can create a personalized treatment plan for you to address your addiction and personal situation best.

If you’re noticing signs of stimulant addiction in yourself or a loved one, it is essential to avoid stigma and take these signs seriously. It’s also crucial to communicate openly during this time with family members and healthcare providers, and seek professional help for Metadate addiction if and when it becomes necessary.

RehabNet is a free, confidential resource to locate qualified addiction specialists and addiction support resources in your area. You don’t have to go through this alone if you know where to get stimulant addiction help. Your road to recovery can start with just a single phone call.

Contact us today to speak to one of our alcohol and drug abuse experts and get started today.