Methylphenidate
Definition
Methylphenidate is a mild central nervous system stimulant. This drug is sold under the brand name Ritalin in the United States.
Purpose
Methylphenidate can be used to decrease sedation and lethargy from opioid pain medications. In addition, methylphenidate may improve the mood of a cancer patient suffering from feelings of depression, often raises a patient's energy level, and may improve his or her appetite. This drug is also used to treat attention deficit disorder in children and the sleep disorder narcolepsy.
Description
Exactly how methylphenidate acts in the brain is not clear. It is believed to trigger arousal...
[The entire page is 765 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
