Snorting & Smoking Ritalin – Duration, Effects, and Dangers

Ritalin is a commonly used stimulant medication to treat the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can only be obtained through a prescription from a doctor. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies the medicine as a Schedule II drug due to its high potential for abuse. Drugs like Ritalin are commonly misused to increase energy, lose weight, and improve academic performance. Misuse of the substance can also involve:

• Using Ritalin with the sole intention of getting high
• Taking the drug in a way other than how it is prescribed
• Using the drug without a prescription

People who abuse Ritalin often crush it up into a powder and snort it, which can be dangerous at high doses. It can lead to an irregular heart rate, fever, heart failure, or seizures. Over time, snorting Ritalin may cause severe cardiovascular issues, psychotic symptoms, anger, paranoia, and sleep disturbances. 

Snorting the drug can create a more intense high, which may cause the user to become addicted to it much faster than taking it in pill form. 

Those who crush and snort extended-release versions of Ritalin put themselves at higher risk of danger. Unfortunately, crushing up the drug bypasses the slow-release mechanism that is built into the tablet. It could potentially cause instantaneous ingestion of a substantial dose of Ritalin that was intended to be released over hours, which could result in an overdose. 

Why Is Snorting Ritalin Dangerous?

Ritalin is a prescription drug that carries minimal risks when used as prescribed. When abused, however, it can put users at heightened risk of various health problems. Those who snort Ritalin can accidentally consume more than intended, which increases their odds of overdosing. High doses of Ritalin can cause heart failure, seizures, and sometimes death. 

The most common side effects of snorting Ritalin include:

Those who snort Ritalin are also prone to:

Snorting the drug is much more dangerous than consuming it by mouth due to the potential of amplifying the effects of the drug in the brain. The potent high, coupled with quick intoxication, can result in continued and compulsive drug use. Individuals report euphoria coupled with a powerful high, and it keeps users coming back for more despite the adverse physical or mental consequences that occur over time. 

Is Smoking Ritalin Dangerous?

While smoking Ritalin is not common, it’s not impossible. Users have suggested that it does not have much of an effect on someone who decides to smoke because the chemicals are wasted when they are lit on fire. Those who have smoked Ritalin also describe the taste as less than desirable. 

Someone who smokes Ritalin can become dependent on it much faster because smoking speeds up the effects of a drug. It may also make the crash from the drug much more intense.