How does Ritalin work for children?

Ritalin or the active ingredient methylphenidate intervenes in the transmission of information between nerve cells in the brain. To do this, one must consider the structure of a synapse, i.e. the junction between two neurons (nerve cells): From the end of the first neuron, transmitters (messenger substances) are released into a gap between the two nerve cells. These transmitters move to the second neuron and activate it.

In order to prevent the activation of the second neuron from continuing permanently, the transmitters are taken up again into the first neuron over time. This is exactly where Ritalin comes in: It inhibits this resumption and thus ensures a stronger, longer activation of the second neuron. In this way, it has a wake-up effect on the child, which also includes a concentration-enhancing aspect. Thus, in ADHD, the effect of Ritalin is mainly related to a reduction of attention deficit and less to hyperactivity.

How does Ritalin work for adults/healthy people?

To this question it is to be clarified first of all that ADHS is not a pure child illness, but occurs also with adults and/or many patients are affected by ADHS beyond their childhood.In principle, the mechanism of action of Ritalin in adults with ADHD is the same as in children: The active substance causes an amplification of the neuronal transmission in certain brain areas and thereby leads among other things to an increase in the concentration and focusing ability. However, another aspect must be taken into account here, the dose: while the low doses used in children are mainly intended to have a calming and concentration-promoting effect, the higher doses used in adults, in addition to promoting the ability to concentrate, also have a certain boosting or even stimulating effect. It is not without reason that there is a close chemical relationship between methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (see below). In adults who do not suffer from ADHD, Ritalin has an appetite suppressant effect in addition to the stimulating effect, and is therefore occasionally misused to lose weight. In addition, restlessness, an increase in blood pressure and palpitations may occur.