methylphenidate

noun
meth·​yl·​phe·​ni·​date | \ ˌme-thəl-ˈfe-nə-ˌdāt How to pronounce methylphenidate (audio) , -ˈfē-\

Definition of methylphenidate

: a mild stimulant C14H19NO2 of the central nervous system used in the form of its hydrochloride to treat narcolepsy and hyperactivity disorders (such as attention deficit disorder) in children

Examples of methylphenidate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, the AAP suggests doctors prescribe methylphenidate (sold under brand names including Ritalin) to preschool-age children when behavioral therapy fails or isn’t available. Julia Belluz, Vox, "Kids who start kindergarten young are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD," 17 Dec. 2018 Many patients diagnosed with ADHD are treated with medications, most commonly stimulants, such as amphetamines (Adderall), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), and methylphenidate (Ritalin). Philly.com, "The dangers of misusing ADHD medications," 25 June 2018 Those drugs are not approved in the European Union, where methylphenidate—sold under various trade names, including Ritalin—is more commonly used. Arran Frood, Scientific American, "Use of “Smart Drugs” on the Rise," 6 July 2018 The rest were a combination of the opioid painkillers hydrocodone and codeine, and methylphenidate, a stimulant commonly known as Ritalin. Aubrey Whelan, Philly.com, "Three Philly-area defendants charged in federal opioid crackdown," 28 June 2018 The researchers in the new study looked at exposure to four common medications used to treat ADHD: methylphenidate (e.g. Ritalin), amphetamine (e.g. Adderall), atomoxetine and modafinil. Mark Lieber, CNN, "Unnecessary and accidental use of ADHD drugs increases over 60%, study suggests," 21 May 2018 Ritalin, or methylphenidate, is in a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants, which are often used in children and adults to help control symptoms of ADHD or to treat narcolepsy. Jacqueline Howard, CNN, "NRA's incoming president ties Ritalin to school shootings, but here's what the science says," 21 May 2018 These include various preparations and formulations of amphetamine and methylphenidate. Andrea K. Mcdaniels, baltimoresun.com, "Children aren't the only ones with ADHD; adults get it as well," 17 May 2018 An earlier study had found no connection between methylphenidate and major malformations. Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, "Why cases of ADHD in young women are skyrocketing," 18 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'methylphenidate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of methylphenidate

1956, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for methylphenidate

methyl + phenyl + piperidine + acetate

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More Definitions for methylphenidate

methylphenidate

noun
meth·​yl·​phe·​ni·​date | \ ˌmeth-əl-ˈfen-ə-ˌdāt How to pronounce methylphenidate (audio) , -ˈfē-nə- How to pronounce methylphenidate (audio) \

Medical Definition of methylphenidate

: a mild stimulant of the central nervous system that is administered orally in the form of its hydrochloride C14H19NO2·HCl to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder

Note: Trademarks for methylphenidate include Concerta, Quillivant, and Ritalin.