Methylphenidate (also known as Concerta, Methylin, Ritalin, among others) is stimulant substance of the phenethylamine class. Methylphenidate is the parent compound of the substituted phenidates, a family of compounds that includes ethylphenidate, isopropylphenidate, and others. It acts primarily by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.