A 22-year-old female asked:
What will ritalin (methylphenidate) do to you if you don't have adhd? i'm a 14 year old female without adhd. my little brother is possitive for adhd and takes ritalin (methylphenidate). i took around 15 mg of his not too long ago. what will it do to me?
2 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
Hello. : Hello. It is isn't a good idea to take medications that are prescribed for someone else. If Ritalin (methylphenidate) is taken by someone without adhd it could sharpen their focus but could also cause side effects like sweating heavily, lack of appetite, poor sleep, rapid heart rate and feeling keyed up or anxious.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. John Moranvilleanswered
Psychiatry 38 years experience
The opposite: First of all you should never take any medication that is not prescribed for you. Ironically, stimulants such as Ritalin (methylphenidate) slow down thought process and hyperactivity in people with adhd whereas it will likely increase thought process leading to poor focus and judgement and possibly hyperactivity in any one else.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 3, 2016
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