Ritalin
(methylphenidate)
Helps you focus and stay alert.
Our bottom line
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a first-choice treatment for ADHD that comes in many different forms, but you need to take this medication more often than alternatives.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (methylphenidate)
Upsides
- First-choice medication to treat ADHD because it is cheap and effective.
- Ritalin (methylphenidate) is used with counseling and other non-drug therapies to treat ADHD.
- Available as a generic medication.
- Available in many different forms: extended-release and immediate-release tablets, chewable tablet, and liquid.
- Preferred medicine for elderly with ADHD or narcolepsy because it is safer than alternatives for this population.
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What to expect from Ritalin, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
526Downsides
- Need to take Ritalin (methylphenidate) 2 or 3 times a day compared to other ADHD medications which you can take once daily.
- Can raise your blood pressure and pulse, so its not safe for people with heart problems.
- It's a controlled medication (CII), so you may need to get a new prescription each month from your doctor.
- Ritalin (methylphenidate) may affect growth in children and teens in some cases.
- Ritalin (methylphenidate) contains a mixture of active and inactive compounds (dexmethylphenidate and methylphenidate, respectively), which may not work as well for some people.
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What to expect from Ritalin, on one page
Download Fact SheetRitalin (methylphenidate) is a stimulant that treats narcolepsy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine activity in the brain, which affects attention and behavior.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (methylphenidate)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Rite AidGet free coupon$46.60
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$47.35
What to expect when you take Ritalin (methylphenidate) for ADHD (children)
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Lowered appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Stomach pain
- Weight loss
Side effect rates for Ritalin (methylphenidate)
- Lowered appetite25%25%
- Headache22%22%
- Dry mouth14%14%
- Nausea13%13%
- Difficulty sleeping12%12%
- Anxiety8%8%
- Weight loss7%7%
- Dizziness7%7%
- Irritability6%6%
- Fast heartbeat5%5%
- Sweating5%5%
- Depression4%4%
- Stomach pain2%2%
- Loss of appetite2%2%
- Vomiting2%2%
- Blurry vision2%2%
- Aggressive behavior2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Ritalin.
People taking Ritalin felt side effect more
People taking Ritalin felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Ritalin (methylphenidate)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › History of drug abuse
- › Alcoholism
Ritalin (methylphenidate) has a risk of abuse and dependence. Take only what's prescribed by a doctor to minimize risks of abuse, overdose, and side effects. Misuse of this drug may cause it to not work as well. If you have a history of drug abuse or alcoholism, there are other medications that may be more appropriate for your ADHD.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Ritalin (methylphenidate)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Don't take it with alcohol to avoid more severe side effects.
- Not sureBig hassleReviewed Ritalinon 3/15/201731 F, 45kg and 156cm height. No alcohol, smoking or caffeine and no depression or anxiety. A graduate but constantly lack motivation and focus on tasks. Titaration - 18mg concerta, to 27mg to 36mg. Attention and focus improved, however, medication wore off within 5-6hrs, no side effects, improved sleep but decreased appetite. 54mg, more side effects and no benefits. Cough, increased sweating, worsened PMS, muscle spasms (fingers, toes, calves), forgetfulness.31WomanA few monthsADHD
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Ritalinon 10/26/2015You need to take it early, with food. I find for best effect, take it as soon as you wake up, quickly followed by a breakfast with slow digesting carbohydrates, such as porridge, cereals or toast. It helps it release into the body gently24WomanTwo years or more
- If you are having trouble sleeping, try taking your last daily dose before 6pm.