The present technology is directed to prodrugs and compositions for the treatment of various diseases and/or disorders comprising methylphenidate, or methylphenidate derivatives, conjugated to at least one alcohol, amine, oxoacid, thiol, or derivatives thereof. In some embodiments, the conjugates further include at least one linker. The present technology also relates to the synthesis of methylphenidate, or methylphenidate derivatives, conjugated to at least one alcohol, amine, oxoacid, thiol, or derivatives thereof or combinations thereof.