Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects more than two million children today. Most likely, you have children at your school who have been diagnosed with this condition and their doctors have prescribed Ritalin, methylphenidate HCI, as a part of their total treatment program.

As you have taken on more responsibility for patient care, you are in the best position to monitor medication use and abuse. Nurses today play a very important role in patient education. As with any medical condition, knowledge is the key to understanding and can help you avoid any potential problems--such as misuse and abuse--before they begin.

Read all you can. The following resources can provide plenty of information that you can read or distribute to your patients ...

Taken correctly, Ritalin, (methylphenidate hydrochloride) can help control the symptoms of ADHD. Unfortunately, not everyone chooses to use Ritalin in the proper way. Deliberate misuse of a drug can lead to abuse--with the possibility of very serious medical consequences.

Who is abusing Ritalin? Usually not the patient for whom it was prescribed. Instead, it might be other family members such as brothers, sisters, parents--even friends. High school and college students may abuse Ritalin in an effort to get "high." Sadly, abusers and misusers may actually take tablets from a patient's container of Ritalin to sell to others or to take themselves.

Healthcare professionals such as yourself, as well as parents and patients, must understand the dangers of abuse, and be alert to possible symptoms--restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, lack of appetite, or difficulty breathing. Please note that these symptoms may also occur with appropriate use. However, if you suspect that someone you know is abusing Ritalin, do not hesitate to contact the proper authorities for help.

The responsibility for proper use of a prescription medication rests with all of us. As a school
nurse, you know how important it is to ensure that Ritalin is taken properly and taken
only as directed by the physician. When administered in school, try to observe that the child takes
his/her medication. You are also aware of which children are legitimately taking Ritalin for ADHD.

There are other safeguards as well. Take a moment to place the drug container in a safe
place. Be sure to count the number of tablets on a daily basis so you will know immediately if any
are missing. Sadly, someone who has easy access to Ritalin may be able to sell tablets
to others. Watch for signs of abuse in the patient, family members, friends,
even other students and coworkers.

Take responsibility for Ritalin. When people understand the role they play in helping to prevent
the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs, potential problems can be avoided before they start.