Description
Methylphenidate, abbreviated MP or MPH, sold under the trade name Ritalin among others, is a stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.1 It is a first line medication for ADHD. It may be taken by mouth or applied to the skin, and different formulations have varying durations of effect.
Common side effects of methylphenidate include difficulty sleeping, decreased appetite, anxiety, and weight loss. More serious side effects may include psychosis, allergic reactions, prolonged erections, substance abuse, and heart problems. Methylphenidate is believed to work by blocking dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake by neurons. Methylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant of the phenethylamine and piperidine classes.
