Ritalin and Xanax

Paper Summary:

This paper takes a look at the two drugs, Ritalin and Xanax. The paper discusses how Ritalin, known in pharmacology as methylphenidate, is a medication prescribed for individuals who have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The paper also discusses how Xanax (alprazolam), is listed in a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines which affect "chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety." The paper goes on to say that Xanax is prescribed to "relieve anxiety, nervousness and tension associated with anxiety disorders," yet can also be used to treat panic disorders.

From the Paper:

"Several other adverse physical effects are linked to taking Ritalin with other drugs which may cause severe and dangerous reactions, especially in children under the age of ten. Most of these drugs are MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate); the person taking Ritalin is well-advised to not use it "if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor in the last fourteen days" ("Ritalin," Internet). Certainly, some people may need to have their dosage levels adjusted by their physicians in order to alleviate the above-mentioned effects. In addition, some people taking Ritalin have reported symptoms associated with Tourette's Syndrome, although at this point in time the reasons for this are completely unknown. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Alprazolam." 2005. Internet. Accessed April 22, 2006. http://www.mentalhealth.com/drugs/p30-x01.html.
• "Methylphenidate." 2002. Internet. Accessed April 22, 2006. http://www.healthyplace.com/Medications/methylphenidate.htm#pharmacology.
• "NIDA InfoFacts: Methylphenidate (Ritalin)" NIDA. 2005. Internet. Accessed April 22, 2006. http://www.nida.nih.gov/InfoFacts/Ritalin.html.
• "Ritalin." Drugs.com. 2004. Internet. Accessed April 22, 2006. http://www.drugs.com/ritalin/html.
• "Xanax." Drugs.com. 2004. Internet. Accessed April 22, 2006. http://www. drugs.com/mtm/x/xanax.html.

More papers on Ritalin and Xanax:

• Research Paper # 4945 : "Ritalin and Children"
• Argumentative Essay # 112968 : "Ritalin and ADD/ADHD"
• Research Paper # 116835 : "Ritalin and ADHD"

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