Methylphenidate is a stimulant that treats attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving your focus and reducing impulsive behaviors. It can also treat narcolepsy by promoting wakefulness. The brand names of this medication are Methylin® and Ritalin®.
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METHYLPHENIDATE (meth il FEN i date) treats attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving focus and reducing impulsive behavior. It may also be used to treat narcolepsy. It works by promoting wakefulness. It belongs to a group of medications called stimulants.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Methylin, Ritalin
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. It is best to take this medication 30 to 45 minutes before meals, unless your care team tells you otherwise. Usually the last dose of the day will be taken at least 4 to 6 hours before bedtime, so it will not interfere with sleep. Do not take your medication more often than directed.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
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Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication requires a new prescription from your care team every time it is filled at the pharmacy.
This medication can be abused and cause your brain and body to depend on it after high doses or long term use. Your care team will assess your risk and monitor you closely during treatment.
Long term use of this medication may cause your brain and body to depend on it. You may be able to take breaks from this medication during weekends, holidays, or summer vacations. Talk to your care team about what works for you. If your care team wants you to stop this medication permanently, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to reduce the risk of side effects.
Tell your care team if this medication loses its effects, or if you feel you need to take more than the prescribed amount. Do not change your dose without talking to your care team.
Do not take this medication close to bedtime. It may prevent you from sleeping.
Loss of appetite is common when starting this medication. Eating small, frequent meals or snacks can help. Talk to your care team if appetite loss persists. Children should have height and weight checked often while taking this medication.
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Tell your care team right away if you notice unexplained wounds on your fingers and toes while taking this medication. You should also tell your care team if you experience numbness or pain, changes in the skin color, or sensitivity to temperature in your fingers or toes.
Contact your care team right away if you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours or if it becomes painful. This may be a sign of a serious problem and must be treated right away to prevent permanent damage.
If you are going to need surgery, a MRI, CT, or other procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication. You may need to stop taking this medication before the procedure.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share it with anyone. It is only for you. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
This medication may cause harm and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it or it is expired. You can do this in two ways:
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NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.