methylphenidate

n. Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a central nervous system stimulant which works by stimulating release of norepinephrine and dopamine and blocking their reuptake in the synaptic cleft. It is often prescribed to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and is sometimes used as an adjunct to antidepressants in treating depression and used to increase attention span in persons with brain damage, cancer, and dementia. Also called Ritalin.