Final answer:
Methylphenidate is a NET inhibitor and an indirect sympathomimetic that is used to treat ADD by increasing neurotransmitter activity in areas of the brain associated with impulse control.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sympathomimetic drugs are agents that mimic the effects of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine and other catecholamines of the sympathetic nervous system. These drugs can treat a variety of conditions by acting on the adrenergic receptors that increase the activity of norepinephrine at synapses, or through mechanisms that inhibit the reuptake of neurotransmitters, such as epinephrine and serotonin. In the context of treating Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), a NET inhibitor that acts as an indirect sympathomimetic is typically referred to.
One such NET inhibitor that treats ADD by functioning as an indirect sympathomimetic is methylphenidate. Methylphenidate increases neurotransmitter activity in the brain, particularly in areas associated with impulse control, like the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. Its mechanism involves blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters, which increases their availability and effectiveness in the synaptic clefts, thus supporting focus and reducing impulsivity among individuals with ADD.