Methylphenidate (MPH) is the most commonly prescribed psychostimulant and is indicated in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and narcolepsy, although off-label uses include treating lethargy, depression, neural insult, and obesity.
In North America it is most commonly known as the brand name Ritalin, which is an instant-release racemic mixture, although a variety of brand names and...
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Methylphenidate (MPH) is the most commonly prescribed psychostimulant and is indicated in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and narcolepsy, although off-label uses include treating lethargy, depression, neural insult, and obesity.
In North America it is most commonly known as the brand name Ritalin, which is an instant-release racemic mixture, although a variety of brand names and formulations exist, many in its dextrorotatory preparation as dexmethylphenidate. MPH is a potent CNS stimulant derived from amphetamine, and is thought to exert its effect by increasing dopaminergic stimulation in the brain.
Methylphenidate was first synthesized in 1944, and was identified as a stimulant in 1954.
Originally it was marketed as a mixture of two racemates, 80% (±)-erythro and 20% (±)-threo. Subsequent studies of the racemates showed that the central stimulant activity was associated with the threo racemate and were focused on...
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