Methylphenidate: What It Is, How It Works, Side Effects

belonging to the pharmacotherapeutic group of psychostimulants which is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Shutterstock Methylphenidate - Chemical Structure

Administered orally, methylphenidate is found in medicinal products formulated as tablets or modified-release capsules in which it can be found in different concentrations. Medicines containing methylphenidate can be dispensed only upon presentation of a specific medical prescription (ministerial model with tracing - RMR) and can be prescribed on the diagnosis and treatment plan defined by reference centers of child neuropsychiatry, in coordination with the pediatrician or general practitioner who is treating the patient.

All medicines containing methylphenidate are classified as class A drugs, therefore, their cost can be reimbursed by the National Health Service (NHS).