Aa
vicodin and ritalin
I've been on vicodin for fibromyalga for almost 4 yrs. I've tried anti-depressants over the yrs which never helped. I'm wanting to get off the vicodin but am a single mom and moving cross country soon (long story) but do need to get off of them as i'm only 40 and already increased to 6 10mg tabs a day. My son started on adderal a few weeks ago and he is so much more comfortable in his skin, polite focused, etc. I'm not one to condone meds of any kind, would never even take otc's till a few yrs ago. But I realized I have all the sx's of add and that that untreated would make anyone depressed, anxious etc. My question is "is it safe to take the 2 together?' (dr. says yes, but always like a second opinion)and " could that be the reason i felt so much better when i started the vicodin, not only the physical pain was better but i had energy and could concentrate and get things done?) was thinking if the ritalin helps my focus, decision- making, etc. it will be easier to quit the vicodin ( not EASY, by any means but possible) Has anyone else been diagnosed/treated w/ something else and that was part of puzzle as to why they used opiates in the 1st place? also, my dr. says it is not addictive, but i've seen websites that claim it is, like alot of things it may only be addictive if abused?thank you in advance for any experiences and advice,
Ritalin is very addictive and no where I have ever read other wise. Do NOT self medicate if you think you have adhd plz go see your doctor and have them evaluate you .i would strongly suggest seen as you are already addicted to your pills you stay far away for another very addicting medication.
ok this is from the dea on it
"Today, we have concluded a national conference of experts from the fields of research, medicine, public health and law enforcement brought together by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to examine issues concerning the prescribing of stimulants to school-age children for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD (ADD/ADHD, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). The principal drug used for this purpose is methylphenidate, commonly known as "Ritalin."
The DEA has become alarmed by the tremendous increase in the prescribing of these drugs in recent years. Since 1990, prescriptions for methylphenidate have increased by 500 percent, while prescriptions for amphetamine for the same purpose have increased 400 percent. Now we see a situation in which from seven to ten percent of the nation's boys are on these drugs at some point as well as a rising percentage of girls. When so many children are involved in the daily use of such a powerful psychoactive drugs, it is important for all of us to understand what is going on and why. The DEA has a responsibility to the nation to control such abusable legal drugs and to insure that their use is confined to legitimate medical need. Certain things have become clear from our deliberations of the last several days, and the public, parents and decision-makers need to hear them.
First, let me say that medical experts agree that these drugs do help the small percentage of children who need them. But there is also strong evidence that the drugs have been greatly over-prescribed in some parts of the country as a panacea for behavior problems. These drugs have been over-promoted, over-marketed and over-sold, resulting in profits of some $450 million annually. This constitutes a potential health threat to many children and has also created a new source of drug abuse and illicit traffic. The data shows that there has been a 1,000 percent increase in drug abuse injury reports involving methylphenidate for children in the 10 to 14 age group. This now equals or exceeds reports for the same age group involving cocaine. The reported numbers are still small but experts feel that this is only the "tip of the iceberg."
I do want to emphasize that medical authorities do believe that ADHD (ADD/ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a distinct health problem affecting some children who can be helped by these drugs when prescribed after careful diagnosis. In those cases, parents should work closely with their children, the family physician and school authorities to insure proper administration and control of the drug. But on the other hand, when we see that in some localities as many as 15 to 20 percent of the children have been put on Ritalin or a similar stimulant, there is good reason to conclude that this is "quick-fix." bogus medical practice which is nevertheless producing large profits. This far exceeds any professional estimates of actual need.
Parents need to understand that we are talking about very potent, addictive and abusable substances; a potency that can help in the right situation but can destroy in the wrong situation. Above all, parents need to educate themselves and protect their children by adopting an attitude of proper parental caution. Regrettably, much of the literature and promotion of the drug in recent years has ignored or understated the potency and abuse potential of methylphenidate and Ritalin. This appears to have misled many physicians into prescribing the drug as a quick-fix for learning and behavior problems.
I want to emphasize that matters of this kind are vital but cannot be simplified. There is a legitimate place for these drugs, but we have become the only country in the world where children are prescribed such a vast quantity of stimulants that share virtually the same properties as cocaine. We must find a better balance. We must turn down the flow which is rapidly becoming a flood.
In conclusion, I want to call upon the drug industry, the parent support groups, the researchers and medical authorities to get a better, more accurate message out to the public. I want to call upon law enforcement authorities to root out this new illicit traffic before it spreads. And I want to urge parents to educate themselves, protect their children and teach them a healthy respect for both the good and evil which drugs can do.
END QUOTE
Above is a statement by:
Mr. Gene R. Haislip, Deputy Assistant Administrator
Office of Diversion Control
Drug Enforcement Administration
United States Department of Justice
Washington, DC
(reproduced verbatim in its entirety)
Submitted by:
Jim Box
San Antonio, Texas
"Today, we have concluded a national conference of experts from the fields of research, medicine, public health and law enforcement brought together by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to examine issues concerning the prescribing of stimulants to school-age children for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD (ADD/ADHD, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). The principal drug used for this purpose is methylphenidate, commonly known as "Ritalin."
The DEA has become alarmed by the tremendous increase in the prescribing of these drugs in recent years. Since 1990, prescriptions for methylphenidate have increased by 500 percent, while prescriptions for amphetamine for the same purpose have increased 400 percent. Now we see a situation in which from seven to ten percent of the nation's boys are on these drugs at some point as well as a rising percentage of girls. When so many children are involved in the daily use of such a powerful psychoactive drugs, it is important for all of us to understand what is going on and why. The DEA has a responsibility to the nation to control such abusable legal drugs and to insure that their use is confined to legitimate medical need. Certain things have become clear from our deliberations of the last several days, and the public, parents and decision-makers need to hear them.
First, let me say that medical experts agree that these drugs do help the small percentage of children who need them. But there is also strong evidence that the drugs have been greatly over-prescribed in some parts of the country as a panacea for behavior problems. These drugs have been over-promoted, over-marketed and over-sold, resulting in profits of some $450 million annually. This constitutes a potential health threat to many children and has also created a new source of drug abuse and illicit traffic. The data shows that there has been a 1,000 percent increase in drug abuse injury reports involving methylphenidate for children in the 10 to 14 age group. This now equals or exceeds reports for the same age group involving cocaine. The reported numbers are still small but experts feel that this is only the "tip of the iceberg."
I do want to emphasize that medical authorities do believe that ADHD (ADD/ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a distinct health problem affecting some children who can be helped by these drugs when prescribed after careful diagnosis. In those cases, parents should work closely with their children, the family physician and school authorities to insure proper administration and control of the drug. But on the other hand, when we see that in some localities as many as 15 to 20 percent of the children have been put on Ritalin or a similar stimulant, there is good reason to conclude that this is "quick-fix." bogus medical practice which is nevertheless producing large profits. This far exceeds any professional estimates of actual need.
Parents need to understand that we are talking about very potent, addictive and abusable substances; a potency that can help in the right situation but can destroy in the wrong situation. Above all, parents need to educate themselves and protect their children by adopting an attitude of proper parental caution. Regrettably, much of the literature and promotion of the drug in recent years has ignored or understated the potency and abuse potential of methylphenidate and Ritalin. This appears to have misled many physicians into prescribing the drug as a quick-fix for learning and behavior problems.
I want to emphasize that matters of this kind are vital but cannot be simplified. There is a legitimate place for these drugs, but we have become the only country in the world where children are prescribed such a vast quantity of stimulants that share virtually the same properties as cocaine. We must find a better balance. We must turn down the flow which is rapidly becoming a flood.
In conclusion, I want to call upon the drug industry, the parent support groups, the researchers and medical authorities to get a better, more accurate message out to the public. I want to call upon law enforcement authorities to root out this new illicit traffic before it spreads. And I want to urge parents to educate themselves, protect their children and teach them a healthy respect for both the good and evil which drugs can do.
END QUOTE
Above is a statement by:
Mr. Gene R. Haislip, Deputy Assistant Administrator
Office of Diversion Control
Drug Enforcement Administration
United States Department of Justice
Washington, DC
(reproduced verbatim in its entirety)
Submitted by:
Jim Box
San Antonio, Texas
Some great info from Avisg. If you google it you will see that it is very addictive as it is a methamphetamine. It will also be very addictive if you already have a addictive personality. There are other ADHD meds out there that have less potential for abuse. I would talk this over with your doctor and see what other meds he can recommend. Just think this through and go over it with your doctor. If you need the med, then you need it. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons.
Best of luck to you.
Brian
Best of luck to you.
Brian
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