What is Methylphenidate
MethylphenidateThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryMethylphenidate is a medication used to treat Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is sold under the brand names Ritalin, Concerta, and Biphentin. Methylphenidate works by increasing the activity of certain brain chemicals, like dopamine and norepinephrine, which help to improve focus and attention. The effects of methylphenidate last up to 10-12 hours, so it can be taken once a day. However, methylphenidate has the potential to be abused and can cause addiction, so it is important to take it as prescribed by your doctor
Ritalinis the brand name
Methylphenidate Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Ritalin
Methylphenidate
1955
490
Effectiveness
How Methylphenidate Affects PatientsMethylphenidate is a combination of two different isomers (d- and l-). The d-isomer is the active part of the drug, and binds to dopamine-rich areas of the brain, especially in the prefrontal cortex. This area is thought to be important in attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In animal studies, this drug has been shown to increase movement activity and cause repetitive behaviors.
How Methylphenidate works in the bodyMethylphenidate helps people with ADHD by increasing the activity of two neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. Low doses of methylphenidate work to reduce impulsivity and improve cognitive functions like attention and memory. It also has an effect on alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, which helps with sustained attention. People with ADHD may have genetic abnormalities that affect the dopamine transporter gene, D4 receptor gene, and D2 receptor gene. Methylphenidate can help to overcome these genetic issues by increasing dopamine activity in the brain.
When to interrupt dosage
The amount of Methylphenidate is reliant upon the diagnosed situation. The dosage quantity may differ depending upon the technique of delivery featured in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Narcolepsy
20.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg, , 54.0 mg, 45.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/hour, 20.0 mg/hour, 15.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 27.0 mg, 36.0 mg, 18.0 mg, 8.6 mg, 30.0 mg/hour, 100.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 72.0 mg, 35.0 mg, 70.0 mg, 55.0 mg, 85.0 mg, 15.0 mg/hour, 30.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL, 7.5 mg/mL, 17.3 mg, 2.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 63.0 mg, 1.1 mg/hour, 1.6 mg/hour, 3.3 mg/hour, 2.2 mg/hour, 6.0 mg/mL, 25.9 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
Capsule, , Capsule, extended release, Tablet, Chewable, Extended Release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Solution, Tablet, extended release, Patch - Transdermal, Tablet, Solution - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Suspension, extended release - Oral, Tablet, chewable, Suspension, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Tablet, Chewable, Extended Release - Oral, Patch, Transdermal, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
20.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg, , 54.0 mg, 45.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/hour, 20.0 mg/hour, 15.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 27.0 mg, 36.0 mg, 18.0 mg, 8.6 mg, 30.0 mg/hour, 100.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 72.0 mg, 35.0 mg, 70.0 mg, 55.0 mg, 85.0 mg, 15.0 mg/hour, 30.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL, 7.5 mg/mL, 17.3 mg, 2.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 63.0 mg, 1.1 mg/hour, 1.6 mg/hour, 3.3 mg/hour, 2.2 mg/hour, 6.0 mg/mL, 25.9 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
Capsule, , Capsule, extended release, Tablet, Chewable, Extended Release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Solution, Tablet, extended release, Patch - Transdermal, Tablet, Solution - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Suspension, extended release - Oral, Tablet, chewable, Suspension, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Tablet, Chewable, Extended Release - Oral, Patch, Transdermal, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral
Warnings
Methylphenidate ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
symptomatic cardiovascular disease
Do Not Combine
Agitation
Do Not Combine
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Thyrotoxicosis
Do Not Combine
Open-angle glaucoma
Do Not Combine
Pheochromocytomas
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Tic, Motor
Do Not Combine
Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome
Do Not Combine
Tension
Do Not Combine
Hypertensive disease
Do Not Combine
advanced arteriosclerosis
Do Not Combine
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome
Do Not Combine
Common Methylphenidate Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Desflurane
Major
Methylphenidate may increase the hypertensive activities of Desflurane.
Diethyl ether
Major
Methylphenidate may increase the hypertensive activities of Diethyl ether.
Enflurane
Major
Methylphenidate may increase the hypertensive activities of Enflurane.
Halothane
Major
Methylphenidate may increase the hypertensive activities of Halothane.
Isoflurane
Major
Methylphenidate may increase the hypertensive activities of Isoflurane.
Methylphenidate Toxicity & Overdose RiskOverdosing on morphine can cause vomiting, restlessness, tremors, overactive reflexes, muscle spasms, seizures (sometimes followed by a coma), feeling happy and excited, confusion, seeing or hearing things that aren't real, delirium, sweating, redness of the face, headaches, high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, wide pupils, and dryness of the mouth. The lowest toxic dose for mice is 190mg/kg when given orally.
Methylphenidate Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Methylphenidate?
84 active studies are presently assessing the potential of Methylphenidate to provide relief for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
80 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Narcolepsy
9 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3
Methylphenidate Reviews: What are patients saying about Methylphenidate?
5Patient Review
9/8/2015 I've been using these patches for eight years now and they're still the most effective treatment I've found. It's really convenient not having to remember pills, and it doesn't screw with my diet the way some other medications can.
5Patient Review
4/8/2019 I have severe ADHD and this medicine makes me feel more normal than with out it. I also have depression and it helps that as well.... I actuallt dont jave any sode effects either. Hope it continues to help me.
5Patient Review
5/31/2019 I've only been giving my son this medication for a short time, but I'm already seeing such an amazing difference in his behavior and school performance. His teacher even contacted me to tell me how much progress he's made! I really hope that this continues to work well for him. The only side effects he's mentioned are feeling slightly dizzy and nauseous, but other than that he says he feels fine.
5Patient Review
9/8/2015 I've been using the datrayna patches for eight years now, and they're by far the most effective treatment I've tried. I love not having to worry about forgetting pills, and it doesn't screw with my diet nearly as much as other medications have in the past.
5Patient Review
4/8/2019 This medication has been instrumental in managing my ADHD and depression. I haven't experienced any negative side effects, which is great.
5Patient Review
5/31/2019 I've only been giving my son this medication for a short time, but I've already seen such an amazing and positive difference in his behavior at school. His teacher even contacted me to tell me how well he was doing! I'm hoping the effects continue, as this has really made a world of difference for him.
4.7Patient Review
10/14/2021 This drug is excellent for my ADHD and has helped me a lot. The only downside is that it makes me feel like a zombie, but the benefits outweigh the costs.
4.7Patient Review
7/12/2021 This medication allowed me to focus and complete my chores for the day.
4.7Patient Review
10/14/2021 This treatment is highly effective for my ADHD and has helped me a great deal. The only downside is that it makes me feel zombie-like; however, the benefits outweigh the costs.
4.7Patient Review
7/12/2021 I felt more productive and focused while using this medication.
4.3Patient Review
5/27/2016 I have a mild condition and this pill helps me with that as well as a few other disorders. It's non-addictive and the side effects are manageable. The only issue I have is sometimes I bite the inside of my mouth, but gum or hard candy takes care of that. Overall, it's been a big help in my day-to-day life.
4.3Patient Review
4/14/2018 I have taken Adderall or Concerta for most of my life and all of my adult life. I'm currently hospitalized with a stage 4 wound located directly above my anus. During this hospitalization, they lowered my Concerta from 54mg down to 27mg. Upon my insistence and request, it has been increased to 36mg. I feel that 54mg would be a much more effective treatment.
4.3Patient Review
5/27/2016 I have a mild condition and I found this pill to be really helpful in managing it. It's non-addictive and the side effects are manageable. The only downside is that I sometimes bite the inside of my mouth when I'm taking it, but that's an easy fix. Overall, this drug has made a big difference in my life.
4.3Patient Review
4/14/2018 I have taken Adderall or Concerta for most of my life and all of my adult life, ironically I'm currently hospitalized with a stage 4 wound located directly above my anus. During this hospitalization they lowered my Concerta from 54mg down to 27mg and upon my insistence and a request it has been increase to 36mg. I feel that 54mg would be a much more effective treatment; however, the medical professionals here disagree.
4Patient Review
10/20/2016 I have found that this medication helps me to focus better on tasks. The side effects are not ideal, but manageable. For instance, I often yawn and my palms get sweaty; however, I don't feel tired. All things considered, I think this drug is working well for me.
4Patient Review
10/20/2016 This medication helps me focus on tasks better. The side effects are not ideal, but manageable. For example, I often yawn and my palms get sweaty; however, the drug is otherwise effective.
4Patient Review
1/18/2020 I may benefit from another brand name but I am afraid of what happens when I don't have it to think
4Patient Review
1/18/2020 I may see even better results with a different brand, but the thought of not having this medication is scary.
3.7Patient Review
1/14/2016 I unfortunately had to rush my daughter to the ER after just two days of taking this medication. She started having rapid heartbeats and blacking out. It was very scary for all of us.
3.7Patient Review
3/30/2021 The benefits I've experienced from this medication - more energy, focus, and happiness - have been great. It's also helped with my depression, making me feel less empty and more on-track overall. The only downside is that it doesn't last very long (I have to take it 5 times per day) and there can be some rebound effects when I stop taking it.
3.7Patient Review
1/14/2016 I had to rushes my daughter to the ER after only two days of taking this medication. She started having rapid heartbeats and blacking out. It was very scary for all of us.
3.7Patient Review
3/30/2021 I find that this medicine helps me be more alert and happier. The only downside is the rebound effect, where I feel worse after the effects of the drug wear off. 50mg per day
3.3Patient Review
6/18/2019 Terrible
3.3Patient Review
6/18/2019 This was a terrible experience.
3Patient Review
3/17/2021 This does help with focus problems, but it unfortunately also causes anxiety and suicidal thoughts as side effects.
3Patient Review
3/17/2021 This drug helped me focus, but I experienced side effects like anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
2Patient Review
10/24/2017 Kremers' generic Concerta was, unfortunately, not the same as the original drug my son had been taking. He began having more severe behavior problems soon after switching, so we stopped giving it to him.
2Patient Review
4/7/2016 Unfortunately, this medicine came with a whole host of unsavory side effects, like a rapid heart beat, sweating, and decreased appetite. It also made it hard to concentrate and focus. While it did alleviate my condition to some degree, the side effects were not worth it.
2Patient Review
10/24/2017 Kremers' generic Concerta was unfortunately not equivalent to the original for my son. He began having worse behavior problems after switching, so we had to go back to the old brand.
2Patient Review
4/7/2016 I experienced a whole host of negative side effects when taking this medication, including but not limited to: rapid heart rate, sweating, decreased appetite, and muscle twitching. These outweighed any benefits I saw from taking the drug, so I would not recommend it to others.
1.3Patient Review
9/29/2017 Unfortunately, this medication had very harmful effects on my mental state. I became suicidal and ended up hurting the people around me, both mentally and physically.
1.3Patient Review
9/29/2017 Unfortunately, this medication had some pretty severe side effects for me. It made me feel incredibly suicidal and I started lashing out at the people around me, both mentally and physically.
Patient Q&A Section about methylphenidate
What will methylphenidate do to a normal person?
"Do not drive after taking methylphenidate until you know how the medicine affects you, as it may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in vision. Methylphenidate may also cause serious heart or blood vessel problems, which are more likely in patients with a family history of heart disease." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is methylphenidate a serious drug?
"Methylphenidate should only be used as prescribed by a doctor to avoid any serious health problems, including heart and blood pressure problems that could potentially be fatal. This medication has a risk of being habit-forming, so it should be used with caution by people who have mental/mood disorders or a substance use disorder." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is methylphenidate the same as Adderall?
"Adderall is the brand name for a mix of two stimulants called amphetamine-dextroamphetamine. Ritalin is the brand name for a stimulant called methylphenidate." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is methylphenidate a stimulant?
"Heres a rundown of how these drugs work:
These drugs work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can help to improve focus, concentration, and task completion.
Stimulant medications that increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain are often prescribed to treat children, adolescents, or adults diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These drugs can help improve focus, concentration, and task completion." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer