Ritalin

Ritalin (also called methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant that’s prescribed to people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This medication has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms like impulsivity, hyperactivity, and difficulty concentrating. Ritalin affects behavior and problem-solving by elevating the concentration of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Many people take Ritalin and other ADHD drugs without a prescription even though they should only be used under a doctor's supervision to improve performance at work or school. As college students use it to concentrate before tests and eSports competitors use it as a performance-enhancing substance, it has been under the spotlight recently due to abuse concerns. The reason for that is that Ritalin is not supposed to be used as a brain-memory-enhancing drug. Ritalin might temporarily improve mental function, but it can negatively affect the brain's plasticity, making it difficult to plan ahead and reflect flexibility in behavior. Moreover, other side effects of Ritalin are Nervousness, Trouble sleeping, Loss of appetite, Weight loss, Dizziness, Nausea and/or vomiting, Headache, etc.

Discovered in: 1944
Discovered by: Leandro Panizzon
Usage: Treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)