Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is a prescription medicine commonly used for the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When treating narcolepsy, the medication acts as a stimulant to keep people alert and awake, but it can also affect certain chemicals in the brain to produce a calming effect in children with ADHD. Potential side effects of the drug may include headache, drowsiness, and loss of appetite.

 

What Is Methylphenidate?

Methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin®) is a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used to treat narcolepsy.
 
Because methylphenidate is a stimulant and is commonly abused, there are special rules for prescribing the medication (see Ritalin Abuse and Ritalin: A Controlled Substance for more information).
 

Who Makes Methylphenidate?

Methylphenidate is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Generic methylphenidate is made by several different manufacturers.
 

What Is Methylphenidate Used For?

As mentioned, methylphenidate is licensed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD for short. In addition to hyperactivity (having trouble sitting still), people with ADHD also have problems paying attention, focusing, and controlling their behavior. While most people think of it as a problem in children, ADHD can also occur in adults (see Adult ADHD). However, methylphenidate is not approved for use in adult ADHD (see Ritalin for Adults).
 
Methylphenidate is also licensed for the treatment of narcolepsy. This is a condition that involves falling asleep uncontrollably and at unusual times. People who have symptoms of narcolepsy often appear paralyzed when they are asleep and have hallucinations when falling asleep. In addition, people with the condition often fall asleep several times during the day.
 
(Click Methylphenidate Uses for more information on specific uses, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does Methylphenidate Work?

Methylphenidate is a stimulant, although it can have effects that are opposite from what would be expected of a stimulant. While stimulants (like caffeine) can cause hyperactivity, methylphenidate has a calming effect when used at the doses intended for the treatment of ADHD. While it is unknown exactly how methylphenidate produces a calming effect, it is known that the drug affects certain chemicals in the brain (see Ritalin and D2 Receptors).
 
For people with narcolepsy, methylphenidate acts as a stimulant (because it is taken in higher doses). This helps people with the condition to be alert and to stay awake during the day.
 
(Click Ritalin Effects for more information about how the drug works.)
 

When and How to Take Methylphenidate

General considerations for when and how to take methylphenidate include the following:
 
  • Methylphenidate comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth two or three times a day.
  • Usually, the last dose of methylphenidate should be taken before 6 p.m. (taking it later could cause difficulty sleeping).
  • It does not matter if you take methylphenidate with or without food.
  • For methylphenidate to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosage Information for Methylphenidate

The dose of methylphenidate that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other narcolepsy or ADHD medications you have tried
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you are currently taking.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your methylphenidate dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Methylphenidate Dosing for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Methylphenidate

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with methylphenidate. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medicine quite well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
The most common side effects of methylphenidate include:
 
(Click Methylphenidate Side Effects or Long-Term Side Effects of Ritalin for more information, including potentially serious side effects to look out for.)
 
You can also read about other possible side effects by clicking the following eMedTV links:
 

Interactions With Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate can potentially interact with a number of medicines (see Drug Interactions With Methylphenidate for more information).
 

Methylphenidate: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider before taking methylphenidate if you have:
 
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are allergic to any medications
  • Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Ritalin and Pregnant Women)
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Drink alcohol regularly.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Methylphenidate to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Methylphenidate?

People who take too much methylphenidate may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Hyperactivity (trouble sitting still)
  • Rapid breathing
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Fever
  • Muscle pains
  • Shakiness
  • Aggressiveness
  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there).
     
If you happen to overdose on methylphenidate, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Ritalin Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Methylphenidate Be Stored?

Methylphenidate should be stored at room temperature away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep methylphenidate and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Methylphenidate?

If you do not take your methylphenidate as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Taking a dose after 6 p.m. may cause trouble sleeping. Don't ever take a double dose of methylphenidate.
 

Strengths of Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate tablets are available in three strengths:
 
  • Methylphenidate 5 mg tablets
  • Methylphenidate 10 mg tablets
  • Methylphenidate 20 mg tablets.
     

Generic Methylphenidate

There is currently both generic and brand-name methylphenidate available. It is, however, not possible to buy methylphenidate without a prescription.
 
(Click Generic Ritalin for more information.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;