Ritalin

Ritalin is prescribed to treat both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. By affecting certain chemicals in the brain to produce a calming effect, the medication is effective in treating ADHD. It can also work as a stimulant to help people with narcolepsy stay awake during the day and be more alert. Ritalin comes in tablet form, and is typically taken two to three times a day.

 

What Is Ritalin?

Ritalin® (methylphenidate hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used to treat narcolepsy.
 
Because it 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 Ritalin?

It is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Generic Ritalin is made by several different manufacturers.
 

What Is It Used For?

As mentioned above, Ritalin 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 ADHD as a problem in children, it can also occur in adults (see Adult ADHD). However, Ritalin is not approved to treat ADHD in adults (see Ritalin for Adults).
 
The medication is also licensed for the treatment of narcolepsy. This is a condition that involves falling asleep uncontrollably and at unusual times. People who have narcolepsy often appear paralyzed when they are asleep and have hallucinations when falling asleep. These people also often fall asleep several times during the day.
 
(Click What Is Ritalin Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does It Work?

Ritalin 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, Ritalin has a calming effect when used at the doses intended for ADHD treatment. While it is unknown exactly how Ritalin produces a calming effect, it is known that the drug affects certain chemicals in the brain (see Methylphenidate and D2 Receptors).
 
For people with narcolepsy, it does act as a stimulant (because it is taken in higher doses). This helps people to be alert and stay awake during the day.
 
(Click Ritalin Effects or Long-Term Side Effects of Ritalin for more information.)
 

When and How to Take Ritalin

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

Dosing Information

The dosage 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 dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Ritalin Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Ritalin

As with any medicine, side effects are possible. 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 include:
 
(Click Ritalin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects to look out for.)
 
You can also read about other possible side effects by clicking the following eMedTV links:
 

Drug Interactions

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

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider before taking this medication 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 Ritalin Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Ritalin?

People who take too much of the medication 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, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Ritalin Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should It Be Stored?

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

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your dose 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. A double dose of Ritalin should never be taken.
 

Strengths

The tablets are available in three strengths:
 

Generic Ritalin

Currently, both generic and brand-name versions of the drug are licensed for sale. It is, however, not possible to buy Ritalin 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;