what is ritalin

Ritalin, also known as methylphenidate, is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain, which can help increase the ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. Ritalin is also used to improve listening skills and organize tasks. It is part of a group of medications called stimulants and is available under brand names such as Methylin and Ritalin.