Abstract
Objective: to identify the risks and benefits on the practice of non-prescribed consumption of Ritalin in Brazil. Methods: This is an Integrative Literature Review, considering articles published in the databases through the descriptors: Psychopharmaceuticals, Methylphenidate, Ritalin and Medicines, from 2014 to 2018. Results: There were 5,224,529 publications that after analysis, 11 articles were approached. It resulted in the construction of three categories: experience with the use of the drug, strategies for obtaining methylphenidate, potential risks and benefits of the use of methylphenidate. Final considerations: It is concluded that the consumption of methylphenidate has several side and adverse effects such as: drowsiness or insomnia, hallucinations, cardiovascular problems, psychosis, dependence and depression, especially if it is consumed in a non-prescribed manner. Therefore, it is understood that there is still a need to invest in medication inspection programs, as well as education programs on the risks and benefits of psychostimulants, avoiding the medicalizing process between the pharmaceutical industry and medication.