Which stimulant medication is commonly used to treat ADHD?

Methylphenidate is a common stimulant medication used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This medication works primarily by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, namely dopamine and norepinephrine, which play crucial roles in attention and behavior regulation. Methylphenidate is effective in improving focus, attention span, and impulse control in individuals with ADHD.

Stimulant medications, including methylphenidate, are often considered first-line treatments for ADHD due to their established efficacy in reducing symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. In contrast, the other options listed are not typically used for ADHD; sertraline and citalopram are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) prescribed primarily for anxiety and depressive disorders, while venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that is also used mainly for depression and anxiety disorders rather than ADHD management.