Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant medication that is indicated for the treatment of ADHD in adults or children over 6 years of age or for the treatment of narcolepsy in adults.

This medicine contains methylphenidate hydrochloride in its composition, which stimulates brain activity. It is sold in several forms, which vary depending on how they are released (e.g. short-acting, medium-acting, long-acting) and in various doses, ranging from 5 to 60 mg, and even patches.

The type of methylphenidate prescribed depend on the patient's age, symptoms and tolerance to the medication. Therefore, it is important to see a healthcare provider to determine which form of Ritalin is right for you.

What is it used for

Methylphenidate is indicated for the treatment of:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children over 6 years of age (read more about the symptoms of ADHD)
Narcolepsy in adults.

Ritalin contains methylphenidate, which is a psychostimulant. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which are neurotransmitters that are responsible for increasing concentration and alertness and decreasing drowsiness.

Is Ritalin good for studying?

Ritalin may improve attention, alertness and cognitive ability in children with ADHD, which improves academic performance.

However, Ritalin is not recommended for studying or staying awake for longer periods of time as it can cause several dangerous side effects in people who take it without a prescription. It can lead to high blood pressure, palpitations, hallucinations or drug dependency.

Recommended dosing

Methylphenidate tablets are taken orally, with a glass of water, before or after a meal. Dosing will depend on the condition being treated, the patient's age and the presenting symptoms. Some available forms are:

1. Immediate-Release (IR)

These come in the form of 5, 10 and 20 mg tablets, and are approved for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy.

Children (6 years and up) Dosing is started at 5 mg give twice a day (before breakfast and lunch), which can be gradually increased by 5 to 10 mg every week until a therapeutic response is achieved.
Adults: To start, a total of 10 to 15 mg can be administered into divided doses, two to three times a day. The average dosage is 20 to 30 mg daily, while some patients may require 40 to 60 mg daily.

Preferably, it should be taken 30 to 45 minutes before meals. Patients who experience sleep disturbances when taking this medication should try to take their last dose before 6 pm.

2. Sustained-Release (SR)

These come in the form of 20 mg tablets, and are approved for the treatment of ADHD. These medications will usually be effective for about 8 hours.

Children (6 years and up): SR tablets can be used in place of IR tablets if the child is already on an equivalent titrated dose of IR tablets. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about whether this medication is right for your child.
Adults: SR tablets can be used in place of IR tablets if the patient is already on an equivalent titrated dose of IR tablets.

These medications should never be crushed, and should be swallowed whole to ensure a sustained therapeutic action.

3. Extended-Release or Long-Acting (LA)

Forms of methylphenidate that offer a long-acting mechanism of action offer an ongoing release of this substance to ensure stable dosing throughout the day. They may be a good alternative to taking several IR pills in one day.

Capsules: These come in the form of 10, 20, 30, 40 or 60 mg capsules, with one capsule taken every morning. The recommended starting dose is 10 to 20 mg once per day (as deemed appropriate by your prescriber), which can by increased by 10 mg every week to a maximum daily dose of 60 mg as needed. Capsules should ideally be swallowed whole, however, the contents can be sprinkled over a small amount of apple sauce, to be consumed in its entirety.
ER Osmotic Release (Concerta): These are found in strengths of 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, or 54 mg tablets, with one tablet taken once per day in the morning. Children can be started on a dose of 18 mg, which can be increased by 18mg on a weekly basis, to a daily maximum of 54 mg in children and 72 mg in adolescents. Adults can be started on 18 or 27 mg per day, and increased by 18 mg on a weekly basis to a daily maximum of 72 mg.
Transdermal Patch (Daytrana): This patch is approved for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents (aged 6 to 17 years old). Depending on its size, the patch can vary in dosing. Be sure to refer to your doctor or pharmacist regarding to dosing and frequency of patch changes.

The right form and strength of the medication is determined by your healthcare provider, after a thorough assessment of your health history and symptoms.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects of methylphenidate are:

Feeling of stuffy nose
Cough
Decreased appetite
Abdominal discomfort
Muscle pain
Nausea
Dry mouth
Heartburn

Nervousness, insomnia, fainting, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, tremor, changes in heartbeat, fever or allergic reactions may also occur.

Because it is an amphetamine, methylphenidate can cause dependence if used inappropriately.

Does Ritalin cause weight loss?

Ritalin is not recommended for weight loss, however, people with ADHD or narcolepsy may experience loss of appetite as a side effect of this medication, leading to weight loss.

In children, decreased appetite can result in weight loss or growth delays.

Contraindications for use

Ritalin should not be used by children under 6 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people who have anxiety, agitation or hyperthyroidism.

Furthermore, this medications should not be used in cases of severe high blood pressure, angina, arterial occlusive disease, heart failure, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathies, myocardial infarction or arrhythmias.

Ritalin is also contraindicated for people with glaucoma, pheochromocytoma or Tourette syndrome.

It should also not be used during treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or within at least 2 weeks of discontinuing this medication, as combined use can lead to high blood pressure.