Ritalin is a brand-name prescription drug that contains methylphenidate as its primary active ingredient. Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant, which means it increases nervous system activity. As an amphetamine analog, its effects are similar to those of Adderall. The drug is absorbed into the bloodstream in amounts between 11% and 52% when taken orally. An hour after taking the drug, you will begin to feel its stimulating effects. The effects of these drugs usually peak two hours after they are taken. In some cases, patients could feel the drug’s effects for a longer period with extended-release versions. As soon as it enters your bloodstream, it can start to make its way to your brain, where it produces psychoactive effects. Excitation, motivation, and mood enhancement can be caused by the stimulant’s interaction with the brain’s “feel-good chemicals.” ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes differences in the brain that lead to difficulty focusing, among other symptoms. In people with ADHD or attention-deficit disorder (ADD), Ritalin can correct a chemical difference in the brain that hinders focus or motivation. Methylphenidate belongs to the class of drugs known as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). Motivating and rewarding chemical messengers are released, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is also possible to experience stimulating effects from Ritalin without ADHD. Dopamine and norepinephrine are produced as part of your normal neural chemistry. Certain everyday activities trigger the release of these chemicals. As soon as there are enough chemicals in your system to produce the intended effects, reuptake removes them from your system. By blocking this process and allowing more of these natural chemicals to bind to receptors, Ritalin creates significant stimulating effects. As a result, Ritalin floods your receptors with more dopamine, increasing the number of chemicals released into your brain.