On Aug 01 11:02 96, Cliff Barbier of 1:3800/54 wrote to Jerry Schwartz:
->> Be VERY careful with statements like that.  Just because it is true
->> of methamphetamine doesn't mean that it is true of methadone (an
->> opium-derived
CB>         I only mentioned Methylphenidate in passing, and was giving some
CB> reason as to why it's an amphetamine.  I should be GLAD that not every
CB> drug which begins with "meth" isn't speed, but in that instance, and in
CB> a few others I know, drugs with a "meth" prefix ARE amphetamines, mainly
CB> because of the "meth" ring in the chemical...  It's also a bit different
CB> (I can't remember the difference) when it's "methyl".... but this isn't
CB> the pharmacology or chemistry conference! 
Dexadrine is dextroamphetamine sulfate, the classic amphetamine.  Desoxyn is 
methamphetamine hydrochloride, which in a related form is "ice" or "crystal 
meth" (I believe).  Both of the foregoing are noted as readily abused drugs.  
There are some other variations such as amphetamine sulfate, sold as Obetrol. 
 Note that the "meth" only occurs in one variant.
I still don't see any support for your contention that Ritalin 
(methylphenidate hydrochloride) is an amphetamine.  Whereas amphetamines are 
addictive, and withdrawal symptoms are brutal, Ritalin abuse is listed as a 
danger for those with mental illnesses who may overdose themselves.  The 
result can be toxicity and psychic dependence, a much different kettle of 
fish, and when the drug is withdrawn the underlying depression or whatever 
may become more pronounced.
The amphetamines are all analogues of adrenalin; I couldn't find anything 
about the chemical structure of methyphenidate hydrochloride in that regard, 
and my own biochemistry isn't strong enough for me to venture a guess.  But 
even if Ritalin is also similar to adrenalin that still doesn't make it an 
amphetamine, just as adrenalin itself isn't.
I'm hammering on this because the contention that Ritalin is an addictive 
amphetamine is used as a weapon against or to scare people who could benefit 
from the medication.  It is a stimulant, but there doesn't seem to be 
anything to suggest that it is addictive.
As I and others have observed, if Ritalin were addictive then ADD kids 
wouldn't forget to take it anymore than heroin addicts forget to shoot up or 
alcoholics forget to drink.
Jerry Schwartz
--- MsgedSQB 3.30.01
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