<unk> , sold under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta, among others, is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and, to a lesser extent, narcolepsy. It is a primary medication for ADHD. It may be taken by mouth or applied to the skin, and different formulations have varying durations of effect. It is also used as an athletic performance enhancer and cognitive enhancer, and recreationally as an aphrodisiac and euphoriant. Common side effects of<unk>  include: agitation, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, euphoria, irritability, loss of appetite, upset stomach, and weight loss. More serious side effects may include: addiction, aggression, delusions, dependence, hallucinations, mania, panic attacks, psychosis, seizures, and substance abuse. Withdrawal symptoms may include: chills, depression, drowsiness, dysphoria, exhaustion, headaches, irritability, lethargy, nightmares, restlessness, suicidal thoughts, and weakness.<unk>  is believed to work by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine by neurons. It is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant of the phenethylamine and piperidine classes. Despite the claim made by some urban legends, it is not a cocaine derivative nor analog; cocaine is a painkiller and ligand channel blocker with SNDRI action, while<unk>  is an NDRI with 2–3 fold selectivity for the dopamine transporter (DAT) over the norepinephrine transporter (NET). Cocaine is also more potent in serotonin transporters (SERTs) than NDRI sites.<unk>  was first synthesized in 1944 and was approved for medical use in the United States in 1955. It was originally sold by Swiss company CIBA (now Novartis). It was estimated that the number of doses of<unk>  used globally in 2013 increased by 66% compared to 2012. In 2019, it was the 51st most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 14 million prescriptions. It is available as a generic medication.
Methylphenidate
Dexmethylphenidate
Ethylphenidate
Atomoxetine
Guanfacine
Psychotherapy
Imipramine
Fluoxetine