What Is Methylphenidate 5 Mg Used for

What is Ritalin?

Ritalin. or Methylphenidate hydrochloride—the generic for Ritalin, is a stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to manage symptoms of narcolepsy. It affects the parts of the brain and central nervous system that control hyperactivity and impulses. Ritalin is one of the trade names for the drug known as methylphenidate. Other brand names can include Concerta, Methylin, and Metadate.

When did the FDA approve Ritalin?

Methylphenidate was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1955 for treating what was then referred to as hyperactivity.

Is a generic version of Ritalin available?

Yes, the generic name for Ritalin is methylphenidate.

Ritalin vs. Adderall: What Are the Differences?

There are a lot of similarities between the two medications. Both drugs are stimulants used to treat ADHD, and both are habit-forming and classified as Schedule II controlled substances. If you have a history of substance use problems, it's important to let your doctor know before taking either medication. As far as differences, the primary chemical in Ritalin is methylphenidate; in Adderall it's amphetamine.

Ritalin comes in three forms: instant release (lasting 3-4 hours), sustained-release (lasting 6-8 hours), and long-acting (lasting 8 hours). Adderall comes in two formulations: instant release (lasting 4-6 hours) and extended-release (lasting 12 hours).

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Both medications help many people with ADHD by improving symptoms that interfere with their ability to focus and pay attention. Ritalin and Adderall also lessen impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies show that for approximately 80% of adults with ADHD, methylphenidate provides relief of symptoms.

The main difference is that Ritalin works more quickly than Adderall and Adderall stays in the body longer.

Can children take Ritalin?

Children 6 and older may be prescribed Ritalin for ADHD. The medication should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. It's also important to tell your child's doctor about adverse side effects or reactions to other medications. Be sure to report any history of substance use as well.

How is Ritalin therapy usually started?

Typically the medication is started at a low dose and may be increased based on response and tolerability of side effects. There are many different formulations available such as immediate-release tablets, sustained-release tablets, or extended-release capsules, so dosing may differ depending on the formulation used.

Potential Drug Interactions Associated with Ritalin

Do not take Ritalin if you have taken or received Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in the past two weeks. Examples of MAOI include linezolid, IV methylene blue, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline (patch or oral), and rasagiline. The best way to avoid drug interactions is to discuss all other medications (and supplements) with your doctor before starting methylphenidate therapy.

What medical conditions would make someone ineligible for Ritalin therapy?

Do not take Ritalin if you are allergic to the medication or have any of the following conditions: glaucoma, Tourette's symptoms, and history of muscle tic. Ritalin can also worsen symptoms of severe anxiety or agitation. Talk to your doctor if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, seizures, circulation problems, a history of mental illness such as depression or bipolar disorder, or a history of substance use problems.

You should not take Ritalin if you are allergic to the medication. Also if you have glaucoma, Tourette's symptoms, a history of muscle tics, you should not take Ritalin. The drug can also make symptoms of severe anxiety or agitation even worse. Also talk to your doctor if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, seizures, circulation problems, a history of mental illness such as depression or bipolar disorder, or a history of substance use problems.

How long does it take for Ritalin to work?

The timing of effects depends on the type of tablet (instant, sustained, or long-acting) as well as the dosage.

The onset of action for extended-release (ER) formulations is as follows:

Extended-release (ER) formulations: capsules (Metadate CD, Ritalin LA), tablets (Concerta): 20 to 60 minutes
Immediate-release (IR) formulations: chewable tablet, oral solution, tablet (Methylin, Ritalin): 20 to 60 minutes
Sustained-release tablet (Ritalin SR, a Canadian product): 60 to 180 minutes.
Transdermal patch (Daytrana): 60 minutes

Quick-release versions of the medication typically take 30 to 45 minutes for the effects to begin but vary in how long they last:

ER capsule: Metadate CD, Ritalin LA: 6 to 8 hours
ER tablet (Concerta): 8 to 12 hours
ER tablet (Metadate ER): 8 hours
IR formulations (chewable tablet, oral solution, IR tablet [Methylin, Ritalin]): 3 to 5 hours
Sustained-release tablet (Ritalin SR [Canadian product]): 2 to 8 hours
Transdermal patch (Daytrana): 11 to 12 hours

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Concerned about ADHD?

Take our 2-minute Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder quiz to see if you may benefit from further diagnosis and treatment.

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What do I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, do not administer additional doses. Instead, resume your normal dosing schedule the next morning.

Ritalin Side Effects

These are the most common side effects reported by people who take Ritalin:

Irritability
Anxiety
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Insomnia
Decreased appetite; weight loss
Dry mouth
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure

Major side effects should be reported to your doctor immediately and can include fast heartbeat, joint pain, rash, fever, black stool, blood in urine, blurred vision, muscle cramps, vocal outbursts, unusual bruising, or flaking of the skin. You can also report them to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online.

Is Ritalin safe for a woman who is pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or nursing?

The data behind the use of methylphenidate in pregnant women is limited. However, if treatment for ADHD in pregnancy is necessary, Ritalin may be considered. The drug can also be transferred via breast milk in small amounts. Therefore, talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are nursing before you take Ritalin.

If taken in overdose, is Ritalin toxic?

An overdose of Ritalin could be fatal, so seek immediate help or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 if you overdose. Overdose symptoms can include vomiting, muscle twitches, flushing, dry mouth, fever, seizures, wide pupils, uncontrollable shaking, confusion, agitation, sweating, hallucinating, headaches, toxic psychosis, and loss of consciousness,

Is Ritalin habit-forming?

Ritalin can be habit-forming as users may develop a tolerance to the drug over time. Sometimes the drug is abused by students to concentrate for longer periods of time when studying. Make sure that you keep track of the medication and never take more than prescribed. It is illegal to give or sell the medication to others. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of substance dependence before you begin Ritalin Therapy.

How much does Ritalin cost?

According to drugs.com, one hundred 5 mg Ritalin tablets costs approximately $78. To compare costs of stimulant medications, see chart (page 16) in this report of ADHD treatment options prepared by the John M. Eisenberg Center for Clinical Decisions and Communications Science.

What are the disadvantages of Ritalin?

Ritalin can be habit-forming as users may develop a tolerance to the drug over time. Sometimes the drug is abused by students to concentrate for longer periods of time. Make sure that you keep track of the medication and never take more than prescribed. It is illegal to give or sell the medication to others. Talk to your doctor if you have a past history of substance dependence before you begin Ritalin Therapy.

DISCLAIMER:The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. This article mentions drugs that were FDA-approved and available at the time of publication and may not include all possible drug interactions or all FDA warnings or alerts. The author of this page explicitly does not endorse this drug or any specific treatment method. If you have health questions or concerns about interactions, please check with your physician or go to the FDA site for a comprehensive list of warnings.

Article Sources

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  2. Spencer T, Biederman J, Wilens T, et al. A large, double-blind, randomized clinical trial of methylphenidate in the treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Biol Psychiatry. 2005;57:456–63
  3. Coghill D, Banaschewski T, Zuddas A, Pelaz A, Gagliano A, Doepfner M. Long-acting methylphenidate formulations in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review of head-to-head studies [published correction appears in BMC Psychiatry. 2015;15:202]. BMC Psychiatry. 2013;13:237. Published 2013 Sep 27. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-13-237
  4. John M. Eisenberg Center for Clinical Decisions and Communications Science. Treatment Options for ADHD in Children and Teens: A Review of Research for Parents and Caregivers. 2012 Jun 26. In: Comparative Effectiveness Review Summary Guides for Consumers [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2005-. [Table], Wholesale Prices of Prescription ADHD Medicines. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK99163/table/consadhd.tu3/ Accessed March 17, 2021.

Last Updated: Mar 19, 2021

Maitland Witena1952