Metadate Signs, Symptoms, & Side Effects

What Is Metadate (Methylphenidate)?

Metadate is a prescription central nervous system stimulant used primarily for the treatment of ADHD in adults and children aged six years and older. The generic name for the drug is methylphenidate, which is also included in well-known ADHD drugs like Ritalin. Metadate is also called Metadate CD, which is a once-daily version of methylphenidate that is designed to provide a constant amount of methylphenidate into the system. Metadate CD has both immediate-release and extended-release properties. The effects are similar to taking two doses of an immediate-release version of methylphenidate. Metadate is believed to treat ADHD by changing the amount of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. The neurotransmitters affected by methylphenidate include dopamine and norepinephrine. As a stimulant, when someone with ADHD takes Metadate CD, it’s believed to help them control their behavior and impulses and improve focus and concentration. There is a potential for abuse that comes with the use of prescription stimulants like Metadate, however.

Symptoms of Metadate Abuse

When someone takes Metadate CD as prescribed, they do not necessarily feel a high, nor would they be at a high risk for addiction. However, since Metadate can affect “feel-good” neurotransmitters like dopamine, at there is a potential for addiction when the drug is abused. Effects associated with Metadate abuse can include euphoria, a false sense of confidence or well-being, energy and alertness, sociability, and wakefulness. Feelings of increased focus and concentration are also possible with Metadate abuse, which is why some people believe that they perform better at school or work when taking the drug. Symptoms of Metadate abuse can include loss of appetite, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or headache. Signs of Metadate abuse can include taking higher doses than prescribed, using it without a prescription, or using it more often than prescribed. Outward symptoms of Metadate abuse can include:

• Dizziness
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Changes in sexual desire
• Dilated pupils
• Nervousness
• Hallucinations
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Headaches
• Symptoms similar to OCD

Side Effects of Metadate Abuse

The development of addiction and dependence are two large consequences that are associated with Metadate abuse. When people abuse stimulants like Metadate, it can cause heart attack, stroke, seizures or dangerously high blood pressure levels. Stimulant abuse can also cause the body temperature to rise to dangerous levels. Side effects of Metadate abuse can also include shakes, tremors, and agitation, as well as malnutrition or even sudden death.

Metadate Addiction

Metadate and other prescription stimulant drugs affect certain neurotransmitters in the brain that play a significant role in things like pleasure and reward response. These are also neurotransmitters that play a role in the development of addiction. Metadate addiction is possible when someone abuses large amounts of the drug. There are certain signs of Metadate addiction to look for, which include:

• Developing a tolerance and taking larger doses of Metadate CD to get the same effects
• Using Metadate even when experiencing negative consequences or side effects
• Feeling like the use of Metadate is out of control
• Lying or stealing to obtain more of the drug
• Trying unsuccessfully to cut down or stop using Metadate
• Making the use of the stimulant drug a priority
• Declining performance at school or work
• Problems with relationships
• Withdrawal from other areas of life

Metadate Long-Term Effects

There can be many physical and mental Metadate long-term effects in people who abuse this drug. Long-term Metadate physical effects include extreme weight loss, problems with sexual functioning and ongoing gastrointestinal problems. Fatigue, damage to the cardiovascular system, breathing problems, headaches, brain hemorrhages or seizures are also possible. Psychological Metadate long-term effects can include anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia and depression. Some people who abuse stimulants like Metadate for a long period of time will have symptoms of psychosis as well.
The Recovery Village works to help treat stimulant addiction, as well as addictions to other substances, co-occurring mental health disorders and drug dependencies. Contact us to learn more.