Methylphenidate Extended Release

A healthcare provider may prescribe methylphenidate extended release to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. There are several different forms of this drug, and there are important differences between the products. The medication comes in a tablet or capsule form, depending on the particular product. It is usually taken by mouth once daily in the morning. As with any medication, there are potential side effects with this drug, including a loss of appetite, nervousness, and insomnia.

 

What Is Methylphenidate Extended Release?

Methylphenidate is a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is available in many different forms, including long-acting extended release forms. Methylphenidate extended release is available as the following products:
 
At one point, a generic medication called Methylin ER® was available, but the name of this product has since been changed to Methylphenidate ER Extended Release. Like other generic methylphenidate extended release products, this product is a generic version of Metadate ER or Ritalin SR.
 

How Are All the Methylphenidate Extended Release Products Different?

Below is a table of some of the important differences between the methylphenidate extended release products. Notice that none are approved for adult ADHD. Metadate ER, methylphenidate extended release (generic), and Ritalin SR are not approved for adult ADHD, although the exact approved age range was not reported.
 
Table: Methylphenidate Extended Release Differences
 
Approved age range for ADHD
Approved for narcolepsy
Taken once a day
Concerta
6 to 17
 
X
Metadate CD
6 to 15
 
X
Metadate ER
6 to ?
X
X
Methylphenidate Extended Release (generic)
6 to ?
X
X
Ritalin LA
6 to 12
 
X
Ritalin SR
6 to ?
X
X
 
Concerta
Concerta is a tablet that is released in two stages: the outer part of the tablet dissolves quickly and releases an immediate dose of Concerta. The inner part releases the rest of the medication slowly over time.
(Methylphenidate Extended Release Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;