RITALIN, used by 90,000 children in the UK as a cure for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is being used as a “street drug” by 10 to 14-year-olds, the International Narcotics Control Board in the United States has warned.
In Britain, there is anecdotal evidence among teachers that pupils are trading Ritalin. Dr Bill Bogie, chief executive of Medeva, the UK manufacturer, said the drug should only be used under strict conditions, with regular monitoring of behaviour. Side effects can include loss of appetite, insomnia and irritable bowel syndrome.
