Ritalin and Brain

http://www.msnbc.com/news/655981.asp?0si=-

Ritalin may alter brain, study shows

Changes appear similar to those caused by amphetamine

The stimulant Ritalin, a drug used to help children with attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder, may cause long-term changes in the brain,
researchers reported on Sunday.

THE CHANGES LOOK similar to those seen with other stimulants such as
amphetamine and cocaine, at least in rats, the team at the University of
Buffalo found. ?Clinicians consider Ritalin to be short-acting,? Joan
Baizer, a professor of physiology and biophysics who led the study said in
a statement.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health/newsid_1648000/1648073.stm

Ritalin brain change claims disputed

Ritalin is a controversial drug A study which suggests the controversial
drug Ritalin could cause long-term brain changes has been attacked.

The drug is prescribed to children with attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD).

While many parents say it has been extraordinarily successful, others have
compared the drug to a "chemical cosh".

Scientists found that rats given large doses of Ritalin suffered subtle
neuronal changes.

They said these were comparable to the effects of other stimulant drugs
such as amphetamines and cocaine.

However a UK expert who strongly advocates Ritalin use said the study was
deeply flawed.

http://www.buffalo.edu/news/fast-execute.cgi/article-page.html?article=54330009

Ritalin May Cause Long-Lasting Changes in Brain-Cell Function

SAN DIEGO -- Scientists at the University at Buffalo have shown that the
drug methylphenidate, the generic form of Ritalin, which physicians have
considered to have only short-term effects, appears to initiate changes in
brain function that remain after the therapeutic effects have dissipated.

The changes appear to be similar to those that occur with other stimulant
drugs such as amphetamine and cocaine, said Joan Baizer, Ph.D., UB
professor of physiology and biophysics and senior author of the study.