Home > Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders > Methylphenidate

Definition

Methylphenidate is a mild, central nervous system stimulant. In the United States, the drug is sold under the brand name Ritalin.

Purpose

Methylphenidate is used primarily in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It also may be used to treat the sleep disorder, narcolepsy. In rare cases, it is used to decrease sedation and lethargy from opioid pain medications and to help improve the mood of a terminally ill person suffering from depression.

Description

The mode of action for methylphenidate is not fully understood. It presumably...