Precautions
Methylphenidate is available under the following different brand names: Ritalin, Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA, Aptensio XR, Concerta, Daytrana, Metadate, Metadate CD, Metadate ER, Methylin, Quillivant XR, and QuilliChew ER.
What are the brands of methylphenidate?
The structure of amphetamine can be "found in" methylphenidate, but methylphenidate certainly couldn't be (easily) made from amphetamine. Methylphenidate can be considered an amphetamine derivative if you are willing to call tryptophan and tyrosine amphetamine derivatives. LSD is an amphetamine derivative by this reasoning!
Is methylphenidate considered an amphetamine?
- Alcohol naturally diminishes the effects of any stimulant when it is used conjunction with the stimulant. ...
- Because the effects of the stimulant drug are diminished, a person may ingest dangerously high amounts of the stimulant drug when drinking.
- Stimulant medications like methylphenidate will diminish the effects of alcohol as well. ...
What are the effects of mixing methylphenidate and alcohol?
The generic drug name of Concerta is methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is also the drug that manufacturers use in Ritalin. The difference between Concerta and Ritalin is how long the medication lasts in the body. Concerta uses an osmotic-controlled release oral delivery system (OROS). Manufacturers have developed this pump system
Is Concerta the same as methylphenidate?
Is Concerta and methylphenidate the same?
What is Concerta? Concerta is an oral stimulant medication that's FDA-approved to treat ADHD in kids and adults. It's another brand-name version of methylphenidate.
What is the best generic for Ritalin?
The generic name of Concerta is methylphenidate (extended-release). Concerta is designed to last for about 12 hours, and it is dosed once per day. The generic name of Ritalin is methylphenidate and is an immediate-release tablet.
What is the brand name for methylphenidate?
Methylphenidate/ Dexmethylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin, Metadate, Ritalin, Quillivant XR) | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness.
What is the non generic name for methylphenidate?
Methylphenidate is available under the following different brand names: Ritalin, Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA, Aptensio XR, Concerta, Daytrana, Metadate, Metadate CD, Metadate ER, Methylin, Quillivant XR, and QuilliChew ER.
What is a substitute for methylphenidate?
ProCentra: A short-acting liquid form of Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) Vyvanse chewable: A chewable form of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. Cotempla XR-ODT: A long-acting version of methylphenidate in the form of orally-disintegrating tablets. Dyanavel XR: A liquid form of amphetamine.
Is Adderall or methylphenidate better?
Roughly 85% of patients will achieve symptom control using amphetamine or methylphenidate. Both medications work in similar ways in the brain and have similar side effects. The primary difference is that Ritalin works quickly and reaches peak performance earlier than does Adderall, which stays in the system longer.
Which methylphenidate is best?
Lisdexamfetamine Most Efficacious, Methylphenidate Best Tolerated in ADHD. Researchers compared the safety and efficacy of leading ADHD treatments.
What does methylphenidate test positive for?
Methylphenidate is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. Many sources state that methylphenidate can cause false positive results for amphetamines.
Is Adderall and methylphenidate the same?
Adderall is the brand name for a mix of two stimulants called amphetamine-dextroamphetamine. Ritalin is the brand name for a stimulant called methylphenidate.
Is methylphenidate discontinued?
Methylphenidate sustained release (Ritalin SR): Discontinued. Novartis stopped production of Ritalin SR 20 mg tablets. The medication will no longer be available globally.
What is the closest drug to Ritalin?
Methylphenidate is the active ingredient in two major drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Ritalin and Concerta. Ritalin is the immediate-release form of methylphenidate, whereas Concerta is the extended-release form of the drug.
What kind of stimulant is methylphenidate?
Methylphenidate is in a class of medications called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain.
Are all generic Ritalin the same?
For example, the branded Ritalin and generic for Ritalin contain the same active ingredient: methylphenidate. Yes, the exact amount of methylphenidate in the generic product lies somewhere between 80 percent and 125 percent of your prescribed dose.
What is the closest drug to Ritalin?
Methylphenidate is the active ingredient in two major drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Ritalin and Concerta. Ritalin is the immediate-release form of methylphenidate, whereas Concerta is the extended-release form of the drug.
Which methylphenidate is best?
Lisdexamfetamine Most Efficacious, Methylphenidate Best Tolerated in ADHD. Researchers compared the safety and efficacy of leading ADHD treatments.
What is the new version of Ritalin?
Relexxi. FDA-approved in 2022, Relexxi is a methylphenidate extended-release tablet. It must be swallowed whole. It is approved for children over the age of 6, adolescents, and adults.
What is the purpose of methylphenidate?
Methylphenidate oral tablet is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It may help to increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity if you have ADHD.
How does methylphenidate work?
It works by increasing the amount of the chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. These chemicals send signals to other parts of your body, which will help to improve your symptoms.
How long does a titrated extended release tablet last?
Typical dosage: These extended-release tablets work for about 8 hours. These tablets may be used in place of immediate-release tablets when the 8-hour dose of the extended-release tablet corresponds to the titrated 8-hour dose of the immediate-release tablet. Your doctor can tell you more.
Can methylphenidate interact with other medications?
Methylphenidate oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.
Does methylphenidate make you sleepy?
Methylphenidate oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.
Does methylphenidate increase the level of methylphenidate in the body?
Taking these drugs with methylphenidate may increase the level of methylphenidate in your body and lead to more side effects. These medications may also affect the way long-acting forms of methylphenidate work. Examples of these drugs include:
Is methylphenidate dangerous?
Methylphenidate comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.
What are the side effects of methylphenidate?
Nervous system adverse effects may include akathisia (agitation/restlessness), irritability, dyskinesia (tics), oromandibular dystonia, lethargy (drowsiness/fatigue), and dizziness. Cardiac adverse effects may include palpitations, changes in blood pressure and heart rate (typically mild), and tachycardia (rapid heart rate). Smokers with ADHD who take methylphenidate may increase their nicotine dependence, and smoke more often than before they began using methylphenidate, with increased nicotine cravings and an average increase of 1.3 cigarettes per day. Ophthalmologic adverse effects may include blurred vision and dry eyes, with less frequent reports of diplopia and mydriasis.
Who made methylphenidate?
Methylphenidate was synthesized by Ciba (now Novartis) chemist Leandro Panizzon. He named the drug after his wife Margarita, nicknamed Rita, who used Ritalin to compensate for low blood pressure.
How many isomers of methylphenidate are there?
Four isomers of methylphenidate are possible, since the molecule has two chiral centers. One pair of threo isomers and one pair of erythro are distinguished, from which primarily d-threo-methylphenidate exhibits the pharmacologically desired effects. The erythro diastereomers are pressor amines, a property not shared with the threo diastereomers. When the drug was first introduced it was sold as a 4:1 mixture of erythro:threo diastereomers, but it was later reformulated to contain only the threo diastereomers. "TMP" refers to a threo product that does not contain any erythro diastereomers, i.e. (±)-threo-methylphenidate. Since the threo isomers are energetically favored, it is easy to epimerize out any of the undesired erythro isomers. The drug that contains only dextrorotatory methylphenidate is sometimes called d-TMP, although this name is only rarely used and it is much more commonly referred to as dexmethylphenidate, d-MPH, or d-threo-methylphenidate. A review on the synthesis of enantiomerically pure (2 R ,2' R )- (+)- threo -methylphenidate hydrochloride has been published.
How does methylphenidate affect the central nervous system?
Psychostimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine may be effective in treating ADHD because they increase neurotransmitter activity in these systems. When reuptake of those neurotransmitters is halted, its concentration and effects in the synapse increase and last longer, respectively. Therefore, methylphenidate is called a norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor. By increasing the effects of norepinephrine and dopamine, methylphenidate increases the activity of the central nervous system and produces effects such as increased alertness, reduced fatigue, and improved attention.
How long does methylphenidate take to release?
Ritalin), 3–8 hours for sustained release (i.e. Ritalin SR), and 8–12 hours for extended release (i.e. Concerta). The half-life of methylphenidate is 2–3 hours, depending on the individual.
What is the best medication for narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy, a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and uncontrollable sleep, is treated primarily with stimulants. Methylphenidate is considered effective in increasing wakefulness, vigilance, and performance. Methylphenidate improves measures of somnolence on standardized tests, such as the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), but performance does not improve to levels comparable to healthy people.
Which neuron is involved in methylphenidate addiction?
As with all addictive drugs, the overexpression of ΔFosB in D1-type medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens is implicated in methylphenidate addiction. Methylphenidate has shown some benefits as a replacement therapy for individuals who are addicted to and dependent upon methamphetamine.
What Are Dosages of Methylphenidate?
Chronic abuse can lead to marked tolerance and psychological dependence , with varying degrees of abnormal behavior.
How does methylphenidate work?
It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It can help increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. It may also help you to organize your tasks and improve listening skills.
What Other Drugs Interact with Methylphenidate?
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication for your condition, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions or side effects and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of this medicine or any medicine before getting further information from your doctor, healthcare provider, or pharmacist first.
What Are Warnings and Precautions for Methylphenidate?
Chronic abuse can lead to a marked tolerance and psychological dependence, with varying degrees of abnormal behavior.
How long does methylphenidate ER take to work?
Metadate ER, Methylin ER, and Ritalin SR: Duration of action is approximately 8 hours; may use in place of methylphenidate IR tablets when the 8-hour dosage of methylphenidate ER and SR tablets corresponds to the titrated 8-hour dosage of methylphenidate IR; not to exceed 60 mg/day
What are the effects of stimulants on ADHD?
Stimulants used to treat ADHD are associated with serious cardiovascular events including sudden death, stroke, and heart attack (myocardial infarction [MI]); avoid in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious heart problems.
Can you take Ritalin with Metadate?
This medication contains methylphenidate. Do not take Ritalin, Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA, Aptensio XR, Concerta, Daytrana, Metadate, Metadate CD, Metadate ER, Methylin, Quillivant XR, or QuilliChew ER if you are allergic to methylphenidate or any ingredients contained in this drug.
What is methylphenidate used for?
Brand names of methylphenidate include Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Concerta, Metadate CD, Methylin, Methylin ER, Daytrana, Quillivant XR, Quillichew ER, Aptensio XR, Cotempla XR-ODT, Jornay PM, and Adhansia XR.#N#Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some formulations of methylphenidate may also be used for the treatment of narcolepsy.#N#Methylphenidate is a federal controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Methylphenidate should always be stored in a safe place to prevent misuse.#N#Methylphenidate is available in a number of dosage forms. Some branded products may also be available as a generic.
Is methylphenidate a controlled substance?
Methylphenidate is a federal controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Methylphenidate should always be stored in a safe place to prevent misuse. Methylphenidate is available in a number of dosage forms. Some branded products may also be available as a generic. Brand Name.
Who makes Concerta tablets?
The two approved generic versions of Concerta are manufactured by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals and Kudco Ireland Ltd.
What to do if you don't know the manufacturer of a drug?
If you or your health care professional are concerned the drug product is not providing the desired effect and you do not know the manufacturer, contact the pharmacy where the prescription was filled to verify the product’s manufacturer. If you, or those under your care, are taking the Mallinckrodt or Kudco products and have concerns about lack of desired effect during the dosing period, contact the prescribing health care provider to discuss whether or not a different drug product would be more appropriate.
How long does it take for Concerta to release?
Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release products approved as generics for Concerta are intended to release the drug in the body over a period of 10 to 12 hours. This should allow for a single-dose product that is consistent with the effect of a three times per day dose of immediate-release methylphenidate hydrochloride.
Does Mallinckrodt have a bioequivalence?
FDA has asked that within six months, Mallinckrodt and Kudco confirm the bioequivalence of their products using the revised bioequivalence standards, or voluntarily withdraw their products from the market. FDA will continue to evaluate its testing and approval standards and bioequivalence guidances for other generic methylphenidate hydrochloride ...
Is Actavis a generic?
The Actavis product is not impacted by this announcement. In addition, on October 21, 2016, the FDA approved a generic for Concerta marketed by Mylan Pharmaceuticals. If you or your health care professional are concerned that a methylphenidate hydrochloride ER product you are taking is not providing the desired effect, ...
Is Mallinckrodt a generic?
Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals and UCB/Kremers Urban (formerly Kudco) the companies that make the generic products, have failed to demonstrate that their products provide the same therapeutic effect as (are bioequivalent to) the brand-name drug they reference. This action is related to steps the FDA took in November 2014.
Does Kudco have the same effect as Concerta?
At that time, the FDA announced that, based on an analysis of data, it had concerns that the Mallinckrodt and Kudco (now UCB/Kremers Urban) products may not produce the same therapeutic effects as Concerta.
What is the active drug in Concerta?
If you’re already taking another form of methylphenidate (the active drug in Concerta) and you’re switching to Concerta, your starting dosage of Concerta may be different from the typical starting dosage. Other drugs that contain methylphenidate include Quillichew and Ritalin.
Who makes Concerta?
If you need financial support to pay for Concerta, help is available. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the manufacturer of Concerta, can refer you to financial assistance programs. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 800-652-6227 or visit the program website.
Will I need to use this drug long term?
Concerta is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Concerta is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term. Sometimes your doctor may stop your medication to see if your symptoms have improved and whether you still need the medication.
Will I have withdrawal symptoms if I stop using Concerta?
This is because Concerta affects certain brain chemicals called norepinephrine and dopamine. Once you stop taking Concerta, your brain will have less of these chemicals, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Can Concerta make me ‘high’?
It possibly can. Concerta affects levels of a brain chemical called dopamine. An increase in dopamine can cause a “high” feeling. This feeling is often called euphoria (a feeling of extreme happiness).
Can Concerta be crushed, split, or chewed?
No, Concerta should never be split, crushed, or chewed. Concerta tablets have special layers inside of them. Each layer releases some of the medication over the course of about 12 hours.
What is Concerta used for?
Concerta is a prescription drug that’s used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This condition affects your ability to pay attention. It can also cause you to have impulsiveness and hyperactivity, as well as excessive movements.
What is methylphenidate ER?
Methylphenidate ER is a stimulant. It's not exactly known how this medication works, but it's thought to raise the amount of dopamine (chemical that makes you "feel good") in the brain. This helps to affect both attention and behavior.
What are the side effects of methylphenidate ER?
With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.
What is generic medication?
You’re probably familiar with generic medication as a less-expensive alternative to brand medication. Standard generics typically don’t become available until the brand patent has expired and another manufacturer creates an alternative. Though it sounds similar, an “authorized generic” is a different type of alternative that isn’t dependent on patent expiration dates. Here you’ll learn how ...
Does methylphenidate interact with other medications?
Methylphenidate ER may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with methylphenidate ER. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Does methylphenidate cause hallucinations?
Taking a stimulant like methylphenidate ER can bring on or worsen psychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), delusional thinking, mania, aggressive behavior, or hostility. If you have a history of mental illness, or are currently being treated, use this medication with extreme caution.
Does methylphenidate help with narcolepsy?
Methylphenidate works in the treatment of ADHD by increasing attention and decreasing restlessness in children and adults who are overactive, cannot concentrate for very long, or are easily distracted and impulsive.
Is methylphenidate ER a controlled medication?
Methylphenidate ER is a controlled medication that has a warning for abuse and dependence potential.
How much does methylphenidate cost?
The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of methylphenidate is around $18.25, 81% off the average retail price of $96.43.
What is methylphenidate used for?
Methylphenidate ( Methylin, Ritalin) is a moderately priced drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ). It is also used to treat narcolepsy. This drug is slightly more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in brand and generic versions. Generic methylphenidate is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower. The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of methylphenidate is around $18.25, 81% off the average retail price of $96.43. Compare central nervous system stimulants.
What is methylphenidate used for?
Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants.
How does methylphenidate help with ADHD?
Methylphenidate works in the treatment of ADHD by increasing attention and decreasing restlessness in children and adults who are overactive, cannot concentrate for very long, or are easily distracted and impulsive. This medicine is used as part of a total treatment program that also includes social, educational, and psychological treatment.
Overview
This medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - ADHD.
May Treat: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Brand Names: Cotempla XR-ODT · Daytrana
Drug Class: Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity (ADHD) Therapy, Stimulant-Type
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Brand Names: Cotempla XR-ODT · Daytrana
Drug Class: Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity (ADHD) Therapy, Stimulant-Type
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Addiction: Risk of abuse and addiction. Use only as directed
- Can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- May be habit forming
- May make you dizzy. Use caution when driving.
- Can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- May be habit forming
- May make you dizzy. Use caution when driving.
- Immediately report to MD any thoughts of suicide.
- MD may need to reduce the dose before you stop it.
- For patch, transdermal 24 hours products : Important to read patient package insert & med guide. Call Dr before increasing dose or frequency. Tell doctor your complete medical history.
- For tablet, disintegrating, er biphasic 24 hr products : Before use, important to read the Medication Guide. Peel open with dry hands & place tablet on tongue. Place unbroken tablet on tongue to dissolve.
FDA Warning: Abuse and dependence
Other warnings
Why it’s used
How it works
More common side effects
- This drug has a black box warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Ad…
Taking methylphenidate for a long period of time may lead to dependence and addiction. Use it with caution if you have a history of alcohol or drug misuse. Your doctor will stop this medication slowly to prevent symptoms of withdrawal.
Serious side effects
- Heart problems warning: Methylphenidate may cause stroke, heart attack, or sudden death in pe…
Psychiatric disorders warning: If you have mental health conditions, this drug may make your symptoms worse. It can also cause psychotic or manic symptoms in children and teenagers without a history of these problems. They may have symptoms such as hallucinations (seeing, h…
Acid reflux drugs
- Methylphenidate oral tablet is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It may help to increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity if you have ADHD.
Serotonergic drugs
- Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. It …
Methylphenidate oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.
Blood pressure drugs
- The more common side effects that can occur with methylphenidate include:
If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Antipsychotics
- Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-th…
Heart problems. Symptoms can include: - pain in your chest, left arm, jaw, or between your shoulders
weakness in one part or side of your body
Seizure medications
- Taking these drugs with methylphenidate may increase the level of methylphenidate in your body and lead to more side effects. These medications may also affect the way long-acting forms of methylphenidate work. Examples of these drugs include:
Warfarin
- Taking these drugs with methylphenidate may increase your risk of serotonin syndrome, which c…
Examples of these drugs include: - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine and sertraline
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine
Allergy warning
- Taking these drugs with methylphenidate may reduce the intended effects of these medications…
angiotensin II receptor blockers such as losartan, valsartan, and irbesartan - angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as enalapril and lisinopril
diuretics (water pills) such as hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide
Alcohol interaction warning
- Using these drugs with methylphenidate may increase your risk of side effects from both the antipsychotics and from methylphenidate. Examples of these antipsychotics include:
Warnings for people with certain health conditions
- Using these drugs with methylphenidate may increase the amount of the seizure drug in your body. This can lead to more side effects from the seizure drug. Examples of these drugs include:
Warnings for other groups
- Using warfarin, a blood thinner, with methylphenidate may increase the effect of warfarin in you…
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Alway…
Dosage for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADH
- Methylphenidate can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
swelling of your throat or tongue - If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).
Dosage for narcolepsy
- Alcohol may increase the effects of methylphenidate. You should not use alcohol while taking th…
Alcohol may cause Metadate CD and Ritalin LA to be released in your body more quickly. This can cause more side effects and lower the effect of the medication.
Dosage warning
- For people with heart problems: Methylphenidate may increase the risk of sudden death, stroke, …
For people with psychiatric disorders: Methylphenidate may make the symptoms of your condition worse. It can also cause new psychotic symptoms, especially in children and adolescents. You may need to stop taking this drug if this happens. - For people with circulation problems: This drug can worsen circulation problems in your fingers …
For people with seizures: If you or your child has a history of seizures, don’t take methylphenidate. It may increase your risk of having a seizure.
General
- For pregnant women: Methylphenidate is a category C pregnancy drug. That means two things:
Research in animals has shown adverse effects to the fetus when the mother takes the drug. - There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how the drug might affect a fet…
Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Methylphenidate should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.
Self-administration
- · Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
Strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg - Strengths: 10 mg, 18 mg, 20 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, 54 mg, 72 mg
Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
Storage
- Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg - Strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
Refills
- Don’t take methylphenidate late at night. Doing so can cause trouble sleeping.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with yo… - Methylphenidate oral tablet is used for short-term or long-term treatment. This drug is usually st…
Methylphenidate comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.
Travel
- Certain forms shouldn’t be taken with food. If you take the immediate-release tablets or chewabl…
You can take the extended-release orally disintegrating tablets with or without food. However, you should take them the same way each time.
Clinical monitoring
- For the immediate-release and chewable tablets:
You can cut these tablets. - For the extended-release (non-orally disintegrating) tablets:
Do not cut, chew, crush, or divide these tablets.
Availability
- Each form should be stored at the appropriate temperature:
o All generic tablets: Store at a temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). - Concerta, Ritalin: Store these tablets at room temperature of 77°F (25°C). You can store them fo…
Metadate ER: Store at a temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). You can store it for a short time at temperatures between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
Prior authorization
- A prescription for this medication is not refillable. You or your pharmacy will have to contact your doctor for a new prescription if you need this medication refilled.
Overview
- When traveling with your medication:
Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag. - Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t harm your medication.
You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.
Society and culture
- Your doctor will check you for the following while you take this drug:
blood pressure and heart rate - signs of aggressive behavior or changes in mental health conditions
growth and weight in children
Uses
- Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it.
Contraindications
- Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug. This means your doctor wi…
There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.
Adverse effects
Methylphenidate, sold under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta among others, is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and, to a lesser extent, narcolepsy. It is a primary medication for ADHD. It may be taken by mouth or applied to the skin, and different formulations have varying durations of effect. Though ther…
Interactions
Methylphenidate is produced in the United States, Switzerland, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Sweden, Pakistan, and India. It is also sold in the majority of countries worldwide. Brand names for methylphenidate include Ritalin (in honor to Rita, the wife of the molecule discoverer), Rilatin (in Belgium to avoid a conflict of commercial name with the RIT pharmaceutical company), Concerta, Medikinet…
Pharmacology
Methylphenidate is most commonly used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.
Methylphenidate is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The addition of behavioural modification therapy can have additional benefits on treatment outcome. The dosage may vary and is titrated to effect, with some guidelines recommending initial treatment with a low dose. Immediate release methylphenidate is used daily along with the longer-acting f…
Chemistry
Methylphenidate is contraindicated for individuals using monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, and tranylcypromine), or individuals with agitation, tics, glaucoma, heart defects or a hypersensitivity to any ingredients contained in methylphenidate pharmaceuticals.
Pregnant women are advised to only use the medication if the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Not enough human studies have been conducted to conclusively demonstrate an effect o…