Methylphenidate was patented in 1954 by the Ciba Pharmaceutical Company. It was extensively used in the Soviet prison system for subduing violent criminals and causing drug dependency and personality disorders in political dissidents [Popov, 1993]. Nowadays it is used almost exclusively in the USA, where it has been nicknamed "bad mother's best friend" due to its widespread use for children diagnosed with so-called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Many doctors in in the European Union and Japan do not recognize ADHD as a valid diagnosis.
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It has effects similar to, but more potent than, caffeine and and amphetamines. It causes both short-term and persistent symptoms of mental retardation: zombie-like appearance, memory loss, drowsiness, hypotonia, and overall depression. Other reactions include hypersensitivity (including skin rash, urticaria, fever, arthralgia, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme with histopathological findings of necrotizing vasculitis, and thrombocytopenic purpura); anorexia; nausea; dizzines; palpitations; headache; dyskinesia; blood pressure and pulse changes, both up and down; tachycardia; angina; cardiac arrhythmia; abdominal pain; weight loss during prolonged therapy. There have been reports of Tourette's syndrome. Toxic psychosis has been reported. The following have been reported in patients taking this drug: leukopenia and/or anemia; scalp hair loss; loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss during prolonged therapy, insomnia, and tachycardia may occur more frequently; however, any of the other adverse reactions listed above may also occur. Ritalin is known to cause cardiac arrythmia, tachycardia and hypertension. Research has proven that Ritalin can interfere with body phospholipid chemistry (body fat), causing the accumulation of abnormal membranes visible with an electronic microscope.
In February 2005, researches from The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center announced that a study of 12 children indicated that methylphenidate is almost certainly carcinogenic. In the study, 12 children were given standard therapeutic doses of methylphenidate. At the conclusion of the 3-month study, all 12 children displayed significant, treatment induced chromosomal aberrations.
Between 1990 and 2000 there were 186 deaths from methylphenidate reported to the FDA MedWatch program, a voluntary reporting scheme, the numbers of which represent no more than 10 to 20% of the actual incidence [Alpert, 2002]
Studies have shown that Ritalin use in children increases chances of drug abuse and developing chronic drug dependency in adolescence [Mannuzza et al, 2003], and causes permanent brain damage in animals [Kuroda 2000] and humans [Breggin, 1990]. It has been conclusively shown to be the leading cause of increasing rates of drug-induced schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder in children in North America [Breggin, 1999; Cherland & Fitzpatrick, 1999, Gilberg et al, 1997]. Yet unpublished study in China [Hui Xia pers. comm] indicate that long-term use of Ritalin in preschool years strongly correlates with dramatic decrease in academic performance.
Studies [Garrick, 2002] have shown that at least 90% of supposed ADHD cases are misdiagnosed. In 1998, an industry-sponsored NIH Consensus Development Conference on Diagnosis and Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder concluded that: "ADHD is not a valid diagnosis. There is no known cause and no data to indicate that ADHD is due to a brain malfunction, or that it exists at all. Ritalin had no proven positive effects and can be detrimental to academic achievement and social skills."
However, use of Ritalin in the USA continues to increase. The US now produces and consumes well over 90% of the world Ritalin supply. In some areas, up to 10% of boys are diagnosed with ADHD. The fact that a large proportion of American children are being routinely poisoned by a highly destructive drug raises serious questions about the kind of relationship between the pharmaceutical industry, FDA, and the health care system.
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