Methylphenidate, Ritalin
... methylphenidate. They exhibit many of the same chemical properties, but they are mirror images structurally. According to the Brookshaven analysis, one of the molecular forms is responsible for Ritalin's effect of improving attention and reducing umpulsitivity, which is the more powerful one of the two. The analyses proved that the form of methylphenidate known as the d-threo enantiometer targets the basal ganglia, which is involved in the drug's effect. However, the other molecular form, the l-threo enantiomer, distributes itself over the brain. Doctors are still uncertain exactly how Ritalin works on the body. Although it appears to affect the balance of chemicals in the brain. Methylphenidate increases the amount of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Then, nerve cells release dopamine, and control its abundance by reabsorbing it and breaking it down. Methylphenidate blocks the reuptake of dopamine by making more of the neurotransmitter that is available to bind to receptors, and exerting its effects on behavior. The d-threo form proves to be more powerful by blocking the dopamine uptake better than the l-threo form. Methylphenidate is a mild central nervous system stimulant. It is a white, fine-crystalline, odorless, acidic powder. Its solutions are acid to the litmus test, however a 5 percent aqueous solution of Ritalin hydrochloride proves to be neutral. Methylphenidate is incompatible with alkalis and solutions of barbiturates. It is stable under normal laboratory conditions. This compound undergoes typical ester hydrolysis in aqueous solutions at 80 C, and is most stable at pH 2.86. It is soluble in alcohol, ethyl acetate, and ether. Methylphenidate is barely soluble in petroleum or water. On the other hand, Methylphenidate hydrochloride is soluble in water, alcohol, and methanol, and semi-soluble in chloroform. It's boiling point is 135 - 137 degrees Celsius. The melting point of Ritalin Hydrochloride crystals is 224 - 226 degrees Celsius. There exists covalent bonds between the atoms, which amount to four double bonds. Three are between carbons, and one is between a carbon and one oxygen. The chemical formula is CHHCl. It's molecular weight is 269.77 g. Not only, is Ritalin used for children and adults with ADHD, but to treat situational depression that is due to an illness. However, Ritalin should not be used to treat severe or prolonged depression that is caused by every day factors, or patients who are liable to show signs of anxiety, tension, or other primary psychiatric conditions. Side effects may occur. Among the most common ones are decreased appetite, exc...