Ritalin is one of the trade names for the drug known as methylphenidate. Other brand names can include Concerta, Methylin, and Metadate. Methylphenidate was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1955 for treating what was then referred to as hyperactivity. Moreover, its ability to improve concentration means some people use it to boost cognitive ability. Ritalin and Adderall are called study drugs because they are inappropriately used to increase the user’s attentiveness and work output.