Can You Mix Alcohol and Ritalin?

Ritalin is a commonly prescribed medicine with the generic name methylphenidate. It stimulates the central nervous system to impact brain chemicals that are responsible for hyperactivity and impulse control. It’s used for the treatment of attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy.

Ritalin can be habit-forming, and as with any other prescription stimulant, there are risks, some of which can be severe. For example, stimulants have been linked to interactions and dangers like stroke, heart attack and sudden death in people with preexisting heart conditions.

Ritalin may also cause new or worsening psychosis, particularly in people with a history of mental health and mood disorders like bipolar and depression.

Some people are advised not to take Ritalin at all including individuals with glaucoma, a history of tics or Tourette’s and people with severe anxiety or agitation because the medicine can make the symptoms worse.

With Ritalin, there is a significant potential for abuse. For example, it’s frequently abused among young people and college students because as a stimulant it can help them stay awake for long periods of time, have an increased level of focus and attention, be more alert, and experience a euphoric high in some cases. People who abuse Ritalin usually don’t have a legitimate prescription and instead will buy it illegally or obtain it in other ways. When people abuse Ritalin, they may combine it with other substances. For example, they may combine alcohol and Ritalin to amplify the effects of both, or to stay up and party for longer.

When people combine alcohol and Ritalin, they’re often not aware of the possible side effects and risks that can come with this.

Even without combining alcohol and Ritalin overdose of the drug is possible. Signs of a Ritalin overdose can include shaking, vomiting, agitation, seizures, sweating, a rapid heart rate and muscle twitching.

So, can you mix alcohol and Ritalin? If you do mix alcohol and Ritalin, what are the possible interactions and dangers?

First and foremost, if your question is “can you mix alcohol and Ritalin,” the answer is firmly no, and below the reasons and possible interactions and dangers are explored.

First, Ritalin stimulates the central nervous system, while alcohol depresses it. When you take Ritalin, it affects your brain by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, and because of the way it acts on the CNS other effects of the drug can include faster breathing, dilated pupils and raised blood pressure. Alcohol, on the other hand, has the opposite effect and is a depressant of the central nervous system. When you drink the depressing effect on your CNS is why you have symptoms such as impaired speech and coordination.

When you mix alcohol and Ritalin, it alters how the Ritalin is processed, which means that you can have higher concentrations of the drug in your system than you would ordinarily. Interaction and dangers with this can include amplified symptoms of the Ritalin on its own such as high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, anxiety and mood problems. Mixing alcohol and Ritalin can also increase the likelihood of severe heart-related issues.

Another reason you should never mix alcohol and Ritalin is that it increases the chances of a drug overdose, and this risk is raised even more if you take extended-release versions of Ritalin.

Mixing alcohol and Ritalin can up the chances of becoming addicted or dependent on one or both of these substances as well. If you develop a physical dependence, your body becomes used to the presence of these two substances, and if you stop using them, you may go through withdrawal.

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include tremors, nausea, sweating, and anxiety. Symptoms of Ritalin withdrawal include depression, sleep problems, and tiredness.

If you’re taking Ritalin because you have a legitimate medical issue such as ADHD and you drink, it can make the condition worse.

Can you mix alcohol and Ritalin and if you do what are the possible interactions and dangers?

In short, you should never combine alcohol and Ritalin or alcohol and any other ADHD medication. There are many possible interactions and dangers of mixing alcohol and Ritalin, ranging from more severe side effects of both, to an increased chance of an overdose or alcohol poisoning.

You are also putting yourself at a greater risk of addiction and dependence if you’re mixing alcohol and Ritalin.

Alcohol poisoning can be fatal. If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately. Do NOT be afraid to seek help. If you do not have access to a phone contact Web Poison Control Services for online assistance.