Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the prototypical ADHD drug and in most countries (other than the US) it is usually the first-line treatment for ADHD (and to “slow down” hyperactive children).
At therapeutic doses, it increases focus, alertness, and concentration, while decreasing impulsivity. Moreover, due to its potent dopaminergic properties, methylphenidate is an effective (but somewhat underused) augmentation agent in the treatment of depression.
MPD has low oral bioavailability (30-50%) and a duration of action of only about three hours. Therefore, it is often taken in an extended-release form.
I discuss ADHD and my thoughts on it here.
Personal experience
A few years ago, I used low doses of methylphenidate (2.5mg) occasionally as a study aid. I liked that it was short-acting. However, the major drawback was that it improved my focus and alertness at the cost of lateral and creative thinking ability.
Furthermore, the counterregulation forced me to use it more frequently, which was an insidious spiral, and I eventually “needed” to use it in order to have a productive study session. In my opinion, taking a low dose once per week is likely fine in a similar way that reaching for coffee once or twice per week is likely fine. However, similar to coffee, it usually escalates quickly.
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