Ritalin Dosage

For children ages six and over who are receiving ADHD treatment with Ritalin, dosage guidelines call for 5 mg, taken twice a day. Adults with narcolepsy typically start with 20 mg to 30 mg a day, divided into two or three doses. If needed, the Ritalin dosage for both conditions can be increased up to a maximum of 60 mg a day.

 

Ritalin Dosage: An Overview

The dose of Ritalin® (methylphenidate hydrochloride) that your healthcare provider prescribes will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other narcolepsy or ADHD medications you may have tried
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your Ritalin dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Ritalin Dosage for ADHD and Narcolepsy

For children age six and over, Ritalin should be started at 5 mg twice daily (before breakfast and lunch). If necessary, your child's healthcare provider may slowly increase the dose up to 60 mg per day.
 
For adults with narcolepsy, the total dosage of Ritalin per day is usually 20 mg to 30 mg (divided into two or three doses). Some people may need less Ritalin, while others may need as much as 60 mg per day.
 

General Ritalin Dosage Information

Considerations for people taking Ritalin include the following:
 
  • In people who have trouble sleeping, taking the last dose of the day before 6 p.m. may be helpful. In general, for people taking Ritalin twice a day, the best times to take the drug in order to avoid insomnia are before breakfast and lunch.
     
  • If you do not take your Ritalin 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. Do not take a double dose.
     
  • The medication can be taken with or without food, although it is usually taken 30 to 45 minutes before meals.
     
  • For Ritalin to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The drug will not work if you take it differently than how your healthcare provider recommends.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to Ritalin or your Ritalin dosage, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;