The medication is used to treat attention hyperactivity disorder. It can help to improve attention, lower impulsiveness, and control behavior problems. It is also a treatment for narcolepsy. Both children (6 years and older) and adults can use it. For those who have problems with certain sleeping disorders and stay awake during the day, pay attention, stay focused on their activity, and control their behavior then you can use the prescribed doctor. It is an FDA-approved medicine prescribed to a group of people suffering from depression due to stroke, cancer, or HIV and acts as an antidepressant drug. The generic name of Ritalin is methylphenidate.