Methylin Addiction: Signs and Side Effects of Methylin Abuse

Substance use disorders continue to be a pressing issue in the U.S. Certain medications, even when prescribed, are more likely to lead to abuse or addiction.

Stimulant medications like Methylin (methylphenidate) can be highly effective when used as prescribed to treat conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, like many stimulant drugs, Methylin also carries a high risk for misuse, dependence, and addiction, especially when taken in larger doses or without a prescription.

In this article, we’ll explore what Methylin addiction looks like, how to recognize the signs of abuse, and what to know about withdrawal and dependence. Whether you’re concerned about your own use or someone else’s, this guide offers important information to help you better understand the risks and next steps.

Methylin is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant often used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. The CNS is composed of the brain and spinal cord, meaning CNS stimulants directly affect these organs.

CNS stimulants like methylphenidate work by correcting any imbalances in brain chemistry. Not all stimulants affect your brain chemistry in the same way. In the case of Methylin, the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine are increased.

Dopamine and norepinephrine work as signals in your brain and help to run your brain’s reward system. When someone needs stimulants, these changes in brain chemistry level out imbalances and have positive effects. On the other hand, those who abuse stimulants can experience euphoric feelings due to the overload of dopamine and norepinephrine.

The euphoric feelings associated with methylphenidate abuse can become addictive, and as such, it’s not uncommon for occasional abuse to turn into a full-blown addiction. Methylin, in particular, has an increased risk of abuse due to its fast-acting formulation. This risk is further increased when the drug isn’t used as prescribed, such as crushing or snorting pills.

Abuse and addiction are often discussed together due to the strong link between the conditions. However, it’s essential to recognize that they are distinct illnesses with significant differences.

Any unprescribed use of methylphenidate can be defined as abuse. For example, taking Methylin without a prescription, taking it at higher doses than prescribed, taking it more frequently than prescribed, and crushing, dissolving, or snorting pills are all forms of abuse.

As mentioned above, the correlation between abuse and addiction is quite high. Occasional abuse may seem harmless, but the reality is that stimulant abuse commonly leads to stimulant use disorder down the line.

While abuse is defined primarily by behaviors, addiction is often defined by psychological dependence on a drug. People who are addicted to methylphenidate may keep using the drug despite negative consequences, neglect responsibilities, or experience strong cravings for the drug.

Both physical dependence and psychological dependence can be seen in those who use Methylin.

Psychological dependence causes the brain to rely on a substance to work properly. You feel strong compulsions to use drugs, experience intense cravings, or notice an inability to stop thinking about drugs.

When the body relies on a substance to function, it’s known as physical dependence. With drug use, the body learns over time to function in the presence of that drug. In other words, the body adjusts to the drug’s effects.

If you suddenly stop taking a drug your body has become dependent on, you’ll likely experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can occur between doses or when you quit taking a drug and are essentially the body’s response to a lack of that drug.

For many people, withdrawal symptoms are one of the most challenging parts of overcoming addiction. While dependence is strongly associated with addiction, it does not mean anyone who has a dependence is addicted. Though dependence can be an early warning sign for addiction.

You may also notice an increased tolerance to methylphenidate after you take it for a long period. This simply means you’ll have to take a higher dose to feel the same effects of the stimulant. Increased tolerance can be dangerous as it leads people to start abusing drugs, which can cause addiction and even overdose.

Many signs of addiction can show up in people who are struggling with stimulant use disorder. Signs of addiction can look different for everyone and can be physical, psychological, or behavioral.

Most likely to occur with abuse and addiction over an extended period, physical signs of Methylin addiction can include loss of appetite, insomnia, high blood pressure, and weight loss.

You may also notice psychological signs of addiction like irritability, mood swings, and anxiety. Long-term stimulant abuse can have an impact on your psychological health because it rewires the brain.

If you suspect addiction in your loved one, behavioral signs may be the easiest to identify. If you notice a sudden, significant change in behavior, it may be a sign of addiction. Other signs include risky behaviors, abandonment of responsibilities, academic or professional decline, doctor shopping, weakened relationships, sudden isolation, and secrecy.

It’s important to be familiar with the signs of stimulant addiction as it can lead to early diagnosis. The sooner addiction is diagnosed, the sooner you can start treatment and get the help you need. As a disclaimer, these signs cannot diagnose addiction on their own. If you notice signs of addiction, reach out to your doctor for a proper assessment.

If you stop using Methylin suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Much like signs of addiction, withdrawal symptoms can present physically, mentally, and behaviorally.

Physical symptoms of Methylin withdrawal include:

• Intense cravings
• Slowed movement
• Oversleeping
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Increased appetite

Psychological withdrawal symptoms are also common:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Slowed thinking
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Nightmares

Withdrawal from stimulants presents differently in each person. In general, withdrawal symptoms start a few hours to days after you last take Methylin. They peak in intensity by the third day for most people and can last several weeks to months.

Several factors can impact withdrawal, such as typical dosage, general health, severity of addiction, and duration of use. Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and dangerous in some cases.

Going through withdrawal can be harmful to your health without proper care and support. This is why care facilities often offer detox services to make the process less painful and dangerous.

Methylin addiction is associated with a slew of side effects, though each person will experience different effects. Addiction side effects can be short-term or long-term, but are most common in long-term addiction and abuse.

Side effects that occur immediately after use are considered short-term, whereas long-term side effects happen over time with extended, regular abuse. Long-term side effects are more likely to have a permanent effect.

While short-term side effects can be harmless and more of a nuisance than anything, it’s possible to experience serious short-term effects.

Short-term effects may include:

• Dry mouth
• Coldness
• Stiffness
• Paranoia
• Stimulation
• Methylin overdose
• Pain
• Insomnia
• Fever
• Shivering
• Diarrhea
• Loss of coordination
• Euphoria
• Trouble breathing
• Muscle twitching
• Fast heart rate
• Sweating
• Restlessness
• Hostility
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Numbness
• Skin color changes
• Aggression
• Hallucinations
• Chest pain
• Unexplained wounds
• Priapism
• Nausea

It may be surprising that overdose is a short-term side effect of stimulant abuse. Unfortunately, the risk of overdose is high in people who have abused stimulants for a long time. This is because they have likely built up a tolerance and must take high doses to feel the effects of these drugs. In some cases, these doses are high enough to cause an overdose.

Signs of stimulant addiction include tremors, muscle pain or weakness, fast or pounding heartbeat, headache, hallucinations, seizure, sweating, dilated pupils, coma, pounding in your neck or ears, confusion, agitation, dry mouth, fever, vomiting, and muscle twitches. An overdose is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If you notice any of these signs, call 911 right away.

Long-term side effects are more likely to have a lasting impact. They often occur in people who abuse Methylin for an extended time.

Long-term effects can include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Cardiovascular issues
• Cognitive decline
• Circulatory problems
• Severe weight loss
• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke

Because the potential for abuse and addiction to Methylin is high, anyone who uses the medication may be at risk for developing these conditions. Not everyone who takes the drug will be addicted, though.

If you have a personal or family history of substance abuse, you may be more likely to develop an addiction. A personal history of addiction can include addictions to other drugs or alcohol. As for family history, if someone in your family previously had a substance abuse disorder, you may be genetically predisposed.

Another group that may be more likely to become addicted is those who have mental health conditions. Mental illness and addiction are notorious for feeding off each other, and as such, mental illnesses that occur alongside addiction are called co-occurring disorders. They can include anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

Individuals who are under academic stress may also have an increased risk of addiction. This is because stimulants are often abused to help students stay awake longer and focus better when completing a long project or studying for a test. As a result, many teens and college students have access to stimulants and use them when the pressure is on.

Similarly, young people may be more likely to develop a stimulant addiction if they experience peer pressure. Teens whose friends or peers are using stimulants may encourage them to try these medications out, even if they don’t want to.

Lastly, anyone who has a prescription for Methylin or knows someone with a prescription may have a higher risk for addiction. This is because easy access to stimulants can make it easier to abuse them habitually.

It’s important that you talk to your doctor if you have any of the above risk factors. This is because they may want to prescribe you a different medication or check on you more frequently to monitor your use.

Addiction can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional trained to evaluate substance use disorders. That being said, identifying signs of addiction can be a good first step.

If you notice signs of addiction in someone you know, but they are reluctant to get an official evaluation, you may want to hold an intervention for them or provide them with resources like online screening tools and assessments.

Getting evaluated for addiction involves a medical assessment between you and your doctor. You can expect to be asked questions about your Methylin use and behavior surrounding the medication. It’s important that you answer these questions honestly to get a proper diagnosis.

Questions may include topics like:

• Impact on daily life, such as relationships, work, or responsibilities
• Tolerance levels (needing more Methylin to feel the same effects)
• Physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms
• Attempts to quit and whether they were successful
• Frequency and amount of use

For many people, the first step in recovery is getting an official addiction diagnosis. This is because the diagnosis can help them come to terms with the gravity of the problem and encourage them to get treatment. Additionally, your doctor may refer you to care centers they recommend.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), an official guide used to diagnose mental health conditions, is an important part of the diagnosis process. It lists stimulant use disorder criteria for medical professionals to refer to during assessment.

The DSM-5 lists the following as symptoms of SUD:

1. Using larger amounts and/or over a longer period than intended
2. Unable to cut down or control use
3. Spending a lot of time in activities necessary to obtain, use, or recover from the effects of the stimulant
4. Craving stimulants
5. Stimulant use interferes with taking care of responsibilities at work, school, or home
6. Continued use despite stimulants causing persistent social or interpersonal problems
7. Giving up previously enjoyed activities because of misuse
8. Recurrent use in situations that increase the chances of getting hurt
9. Continued use despite persistent physical or psychological problems caused by stimulants
10. Tolerance to stimulants
11. Withdrawal symptoms when stopping stimulants

Addiction varies from person to person, and as a result, not every person will meet the same number of criteria for stimulant use disorder. If you meet six or more criteria over a year-long period, your addiction is classified as severe. Those who meet four to five criteria have a moderate addiction, and those who meet two to three are classified as mild.

The earlier your addiction is diagnosed, the sooner you can start the road to recovery. Early intervention is linked to better treatment outcomes and long-lasting sobriety.

A stimulant used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, Methylin is a medication with a high potential for abuse and addiction. Even with a prescription, it’s possible to develop dependencies on methylphenidate. Addiction can have an immense impact on an individual’s life, affecting their physical, psychological, and behavioral states.

Stimulant use disorder is a serious condition that requires professional treatment. Without treatment, the risk of drug overdose and death increases. Getting a proper stimulant use disorder diagnosis is the first step in achieving sobriety and starting your treatment journey.

For more questions or guidance on Methylin addiction, call the RehabNet helpline today.