Ritalin
Focus pill brand
Ritalin is a brand name for methylphenidate, a stimulant medication prescribed primarily for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It increases focus and reduces impulsivity in those with the condition.
Ritalin is also used to treat narcolepsy.
The drug is sometimes abused as a study aid or for its stimulant effects: Kids were selling their Ritalin at school.
Amphetamine-based concentration aid
- stimulantAlertness-boosting drug
- prescriptionMedical dispensing authorization
- dosageMeasured medicine amount
- tabletFlat portable computing device
capsule · extended-release · generic · controlled substance · Schedule II · pharmacy · refill · titration
Reward-linked neural messenger
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
- prefrontal cortexBrain's planning and impulse center
- brain chemistryBrain's chemical signaling processes
receptors · synapse · neuroplasticity · cognitive enhancement · central nervous system · stimulant · mechanism · neurological
Focused mental awareness
- focusConcentrated attention point
- concentrationSustained single-minded attention
- hyperactivityExcessive physical or mental energy
- impulsivityActing without considering consequences
executive function · inattention · diagnosis · symptoms · behavioral therapy · neurodevelopmental · pediatric · working memory
Intensive last-minute study
- collegeHigher education institution
- finalsConcluding tests or matches
- performance enhancementAugmenting one's abilities artificially
- diversionRedirection of attention
snorting · abuse · nonprescription · illicit · off-label · academic pressure · all-nighter · black market
Active mental awareness
- wakefulnessState of being conscious
- appetite suppressionReduced desire to eat
- insomniaPersistent inability to rest
- euphoriaIntense emotional high
crash · comedown · tolerance · dependence · withdrawal · side effects · dry mouth · heart rate
Excessive medication ordering
- Big PharmaMajor medication corporations collectively
- controversyProlonged public disagreement
- childhoodLife's earliest phase
- parentingNurturing and guiding children
schools · stigma · medicalization · behavior management · normalization · debate · advocacy
Adderall
Amphetamine-based concentration aid
- stimulantAlertness-boosting drug
- prescriptionMedical dispensing authorization
- dosageMeasured medicine amount
tablet · capsule · extended-release · generic · controlled substance · Schedule II · pharmacy · refill · titration · medication
dopamine
Reward-linked neural messenger
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
- prefrontal cortexBrain's planning and impulse center
brain chemistry · receptors · synapse · neuroplasticity · cognitive enhancement · central nervous system · stimulant · mechanism · neurological
attention
Focused mental awareness
- focusConcentrated attention point
- concentrationSustained single-minded attention
- hyperactivityExcessive physical or mental energy
impulsivity · executive function · inattention · diagnosis · symptoms · behavioral therapy · neurodevelopmental · pediatric · working memory · distraction
cramming
Intensive last-minute study
- collegeHigher education institution
- finalsConcluding tests or matches
- performance enhancementAugmenting one's abilities artificially
diversion · snorting · abuse · nonprescription · illicit · off-label · academic pressure · all-nighter · black market · pill mill
alertness
Active mental awareness
- wakefulnessState of being conscious
- appetite suppressionReduced desire to eat
- insomniaPersistent inability to rest
euphoria · crash · comedown · tolerance · dependence · withdrawal · side effects · dry mouth · heart rate · jitters
overprescription
Excessive medication ordering
- Big PharmaMajor medication corporations collectively
- controversyProlonged public disagreement
- childhoodLife's earliest phase
parenting · schools · stigma · medicalization · behavior management · normalization · debate · advocacy
- psychoactive drugsmethamphetamine, psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, ketamine
- medicationspills, Tylenol, capsules, tablets, Xanax
- energizerscoffee, caffeine, energy drinks, energy drink, espresso
- drugsibuprofen, marijuana, aspirin, meth, cocaine
- controlled substancescocaine, fentanyl, codeine, heroin, morphine
- Neuroactive Drugsdopamine, serotonin, GABA, acetylcholine, norepinephrine
Ritalinsedative
Drug promoting calm
depressant · tranquilizer · Valium · Xanax · Ambien
Ritalinbehavioral therapy
Psychotherapy targeting observable actions
cognitive behavioral therapy · meditation · neurofeedback · occupational therapy · talk therapy