People's Pharmacy

Ritalin

Generic Name:methylphenidate

Revised:4/1/2000

Table of Contents

Overview

Ritalin is a mild stimulant prescribed primarily for attention deficit disorder (ADD), with or without hyperactivity.

Ritalin should not be the sole treatment for ADD, which is best managed in an integrated program of educational, psychological and social support.

Diagnosis of the condition requires input on psychological and social factors as well as medical and educational issues. Not all children with ADD respond to Ritalin, but many find it helpful.

Ritalin is also prescribed for narcolepsy, a sleep disorder which results in sudden and unexpected daytime sleepiness.

It has been termed "possibly effective" for mild depression or withdrawn behavior in the elderly.