Ritalin SR and Alcohol

Ritalin SR and alcohol may be a dangerous combination if you do not know how the medication will affect you. Stimulants like Ritalin SR can affect your ability to perform tasks that require concentration, and alcohol could intensify these effects. People with a history of alcohol abuse are more likely to abuse the medication and should avoid Ritalin SR for this reason.

Ritalin SR Drug Info

Ritalin SR and Alcohol: An Overview

Ritalin SR^® (methylphenidate extended-release) is a prescription medication licensed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It may also be used in an "off-label" fashion to treat adult ADHD. Although there are no specific interactions between Ritalin SR and alcohol, there are reasons why you may want to avoid the combination.

Interactions Between Ritalin SR and Alcohol

Stimulants such as Ritalin SR may affect your ability to perform tasks that require complete concentration, such as driving, operating machinery, or piloting an airplane, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. Alcohol could intensify these effects, and it may be a good idea to avoid alcohol until you know how Ritalin SR will affect you. It is never a good idea to mix alcohol with a medication you have never taken before (or one that has not been prescribed specifically for you).

It is also important to note that people who have problems with alcohol abuse should avoid Ritalin SR. The medication is a stimulant and can be abused (see Ritalin Abuse). People who have problems with drug abuse or alcohol abuse may be more likely to abuse Ritalin SR.

Ritalin SR and Alcohol: A Summary

Although there are no specific interactions between Ritalin SR and alcohol, it is a good idea to avoid alcohol until you know how the medication will affect you. Taking it with alcohol might affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. Also, it is usually not a good idea to take Ritalin SR if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.