Uses

Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant that causes an increase in mental alertness by increasing the amount and effectiveness of a neurotransmitter in the body called dopamine. It is a prescription-only medication in the United States. Ritalin is primarily used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) and is also used in the treatment of narcolepsy.

Dosage FAQs

• What is a safe dose of this drug?
  • To treat ADHD: For adults, Ritalin can be administered in an initial dose of 10 mg orally, two or three times daily. The medication should be taken about 30 to 45 minutes before breakfast and lunch, and a third dose may be taken in the afternoon before dinner if necessary. If the person in treatment has trouble sleeping at night while using Ritalin, the last dose should be taken before 6 p.m. Dosage may be increased by 5 mg to 10 mg every week if necessary, but should not exceed 60 mg without consulting your health care provider. For children six years of age or older, an initial dose should be 2.5 mg to 5 mg twice per day, about 30 to 45 minutes before breakfast and lunch. Dosage may be increased by 5 mg to 10 mg per week depending on your doctor’s recommendation.
  • To treat narcolepsy: Initially, a 10 mg dose of Ritalin may be given orally two or three times daily, 30 to 45 minutes before eating. Dosage can be increased each week by 5 mg to 10 mg and should not exceed 60 mg per day.
• Is this drug safe to use during pregnancy?
  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has placed this medication into pregnancy category C, which means that animal studies have demonstrated a risk to the fetus if taking this medication when pregnant. However, there are no well-controlled studies on humans. As a result, all possible treatments should be discussed before taking Ritalin. It should only be taken after thoroughly assessing if the benefits to the mother will outweigh the risks.
• How is this drug processed in my body?
  Ritalin is absorbed in the body in two phases after being taken orally. It is metabolized in the liver and is mostly removed from the body in the urine. A tiny amount of the drug is removed in the feces.
• How can I get the most out of my treatment with this drug?
  If you are an adult or child prescribed this drug for ADHD treatment, it may help you achieve a better mental health outcome if you pair your medication with a type of psychotherapy. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated its clinical guidelines on ADHD treatment to recommend a combined treatment approach for young children that includes therapy whenever medication is prescribed. Medication is great for controlling symptoms, but it cannot help a person modify behavior, understand what they are experiencing, or help them develop coping strategies should symptoms arise. Finding a therapist or counselor may help you or your child work on a better long-term result than may be achieved with medication alone.