Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also sometimes used to treat narcolepsy.

It comes as standard (immediate release) tablets and capsules. You can also get slow release (extended, modified or prolonged release) tablets and capsules which release the medicine into your body gradually.

For children and young people aged 18 years and under, read our information on methylphenidate for children.

• Methylphenidate is a controlled drug, which means that you may have to prove your identity when collecting your prescription. You also have to collect your prescription within 28 days.
• Slow release methylphenidate is usually taken once a day. With standard tablets or capsules, your doctor may recommend taking them up to 3 times a day.
• It's best to stick to the same brand of methylphenidate. Different brands of slow release tablets and capsules work differently in how they release the medicine into your body, and this can affect how they work to manage your symptoms.
• Do not stop taking methylphenidate suddenly, speak to your doctor first.
• Other brand names for methylphenidate are Tranquilin, Xaggitin and Xenidate

Methylphenidate can be taken by most adults. However, it is not suitable for everyone.

Tell your doctor before starting the medicine if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to methylphenidate or any other medicine
• have difficulty swallowing – some brands may not be suitable for you
• have heart problems
• have an overactive thyroid
• have a tumour in the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)
• have mental health problems (or a close family member has mental health problems)
• have high blood pressure or problems with blood vessels, such as vasculitis
• have epilepsy
• have tics (sudden muscle twitches of the face or body), or a family history of Tourette's syndrome
• have glaucoma or are at risk of getting glaucoma
• are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or breastfeeding
• have problems with drugs or alcohol

Always follow the instructions that come with your medicine carefully.

How you take your methylphenidate depends on whether the medicine is standard (immediate release) or slow release. Different brands of slow release methylphenidate may also have different instructions.

Standard release tablets and capsules

These are also called immediate release, although it can still take a while for the medicine to release into your body. You may not notice any changes in your behaviour straight away.

Slow release tablets and capsules

Also called XL, extended, modified or prolonged release.

Slow release tablets and capsules start to work with a first release of the medicine into the body. After that, the medicine continues to release into the body more slowly.

Dosage and strength

The dose you need depends on the type of methylphenidate you’re taking and what you're taking it for.

Dose for standard tablets or capsules

The usual starting dose for adults is 5mg, taken 2 or 3 times a day. For narcolepsy, you will usually take between 10mg and 60mg a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually (usually weekly) until they find the dose of methylphenidate that works best for you.

Dose for slow release capsules

The usual starting dose for adults is 10mg, taken once in the morning. Your doctor may increase the dose gradually (usually weekly) until they find the dose that works best for you.

Dose for slow release tablets

The usual starting dose for adults is 18mg, taken once in the morning. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose by 18mg at a time (usually weekly) until they find the dose that works best or you.

How to take it

How to take standard tablets or capsules

Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water, milk or squash. Do not chew them.

Standard tablets or capsules are usually taken 2 or 3 times a day – in the morning, at midday and in the late afternoon. Leave at least 4 hours between doses.

If you have problems swallowing pills, some brands of standard tablets can be crushed and added to food. For example, if you are taking Medikinet or Ritalin tablets, you can crush them and mix it with a small amount of soft food such as yogurt, honey or jam. Swallow the mixture straight away, without chewing.

How to take slow release tablets or capsules

Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water, milk or squash. Do not chew them.

Take slow release tablets and capsules in the morning.

Check the leaflet that comes with the medicine for when to take it and whether to take it with food.

If you're taking the brand called Equasym XL, take it before breakfast. If you are taking Medikinet XL, take it with or after breakfast.

If you have problems swallowing capsules, some brands of methylphenidate slow release capsules can be opened up and added to a small amount of soft food, such as yogurt, honey or jam. Swallow the mixture straight away, without chewing.

Like all medicines, methylphenidate can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

These common side effects may happen in more than 1 in 100 people. Keep taking the medicine, but tell your doctor if they bother you or do not go away:

• headache
• feeling aggressive, irritable, depressed, anxious or tense
• trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• loss of appetite – this can lead to weight loss or poor weight gain
• stomach ache
• dry mouth
• feeling or being sick

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are uncommon and happen in less than 1 in 100 people.

Tell your doctor straight away if you:

• have mood or personality changes
• have thoughts about harming yourself others
• have fast or irregular heartbeats (palpitations)
• start seeing, feeling or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations)
• have started to get facial tics, tell your doctor – these are quick, little movements in the muscles of your face that you cannot control and are sudden – if this starts happening, your doctor will stop your treatment.

Methylphenidate can cause a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Your doctor will usually measure your blood pressure and pulse every 6 months.

Serious allergic reaction

It's extremely rare to have an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to methylphenidate but if this happens to you, stop taking the medicine and:

What to do about:

• headaches – make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Painkillers such as paracetamol can help. Talk to your doctor if the headaches are severe or do not go away.
• feeling aggressive, irritable, depressed, anxious or tense – this may go away as you get used to the medicine. If it doesn't, speak to your doctor. They may want to recommend a lower dose or try a different medicine.
• trouble sleeping – if you are finding it hard to sleep, try taking the last dose of methylphenidate more than 6 hours before bedtime.
• loss of appetite – it may help to take methylphenidate with a meal. You may notice some weight loss during the first few months of treatment. You will probably put this weight back once you’re used to the medicine. If you notice that you are losing a lot of weight, speak to your doctor.
• dry mouth – this usually gets better quite quickly. Taking sips of water and eating citrus fruits (like oranges or satsumas) can help.
• feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) – stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food if you feel sick. It might help to take methylphenidate with or after a meal or snack. If you are being sick try taking small, frequent sips of water or squash to avoid dehydration. See your doctor if you are being sick or having severe stomach pains.

Methylphenidate is not usually recommended in pregnancy. However, you may need to continue taking it during your pregnancy to remain well.

Your doctor will be able to explain the benefits and the risks of taking methylphenidate. They can help you decide what’s best for you and your baby.

Methylphenidate and breastfeeding

You can usually take methylphenidate while you’re breastfeeding.

However, this medicine passes into breast milk so your doctor or health visitor will need to monitor your baby. They will check for any signs of side effects, such as your baby being irritable or having problems sleeping.

Taking high doses of methylphenidate may also affect your milk supply when your breastfeeding,

There are some medicines that can affect the way methylphenidate works.

Do not take methylphenidate if you are taking antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or if you’ve stopped taking them in the last 14 days.

Taking methylphenidate with these medicines can cause a sudden increase in your blood pressure. This could be dangerous. MAOIs include:

• isocarboxazid
• moclobemide
• phenelzine
• tranylcypromine

If you are taking any of the following medicines, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking methylphenidate:

• medicines to treat depression or other mental health problems
• medicines for epilepsy
• blood pressure medicines
• medicines to treat or prevent blood clots

Some cough and cold medicines can also affect your blood pressure. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you are buying any cough and cold medicines. It’s important to check whether these are OK for you to have while taking methylphenidate.

Mixing methylphenidate with herbal remedies and supplements

There might be a problem taking some herbal remedies and supplements alongside methylphenidate, especially ones that cause sleepiness or a dry mouth, or make it difficult to pee.

Ask your pharmacist for advice.