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Methylphenidate
Drug ClassStimulant
Year Approved1955
Conditions TreatedADHD
AvailabilityPrescription
About Methylphenidate
A central nervous system stimulant marketed as Ritalin. Methylphenidate treats ADHD by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It improves attention, focus, and impulse control in most people with ADHD. Methylphenidate was first synthesized in 1944 and became widely used for ADHD in the 1960s. It is also used for narcolepsy. The drug has abuse potential and is a Schedule II controlled substance. Extended release formulations reduce abuse potential.