Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a nervous system stimulant that’s commonly used to treat ADHD in adults and children.
It’s a brand-name prescription medication that targets dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to reduce common ADHD symptoms.
Though Ritalin is a stimulant, when used in ADHD treatment, it may help with concentration, fidgeting, attention, and listening skills.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) 10 mg is just one form of treatment for ADHD. It’s often complemented with behavioral therapy.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) 10 mg is sometimes used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder.
As with all stimulants, this medication is a federally controlled substance. It can be misused, which comes with the risk of serious side effects.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) 10 mg should only be used with medical supervision. Your doctor will likely see you every few months to make sure the medication is working as it should.
Even if you take Ritalin correctly and don’t misuse it, it can carry the risk for side effects.
You should not use Ritalin if you have glaucoma, tics or Tourette's syndrome, or severe anxiety, tension, or agitation.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) 10 mg may be habit-forming, and this medicine is a drug of abuse. Tell your doctor if you have had problems with drug or alcohol abuse.
Stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a heart defect.
Do not use Ritalin if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.
Methylphenidate may cause new or worsening psychosis (unusual thoughts or behavior), especially if you have a history of depression, mental illness, or bipolar disorder.
You may have blood circulation problems that can cause numbness, pain, or discoloration in your fingers or toes.
Call your doctor right away if you have: signs of heart problems - chest pain, feeling light-headed or short of breath; signs of psychosis - paranoia, aggression, new behavior problems, seeing or hearing things that are not real; signs of circulation problems - unexplained wounds on your fingers or toes.
Do not use Ritalin (methylphenidate) 10 mg if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
You may not be able to use Ritalin 10mg if you are allergic to methylphenidate, or if you have:
It is not known whether Ritalin (methylphenidate) 10 mg will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of methylphenidate on the baby.
It is not known whether methylphenidate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) 10 mg is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.
Take Ritalin (methylphenidate) 10 mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take Ritalin in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of methylphenidate. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) 10 mg may be habit-forming. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
To prevent sleep problems, take this medicine in the morning.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) 10 mg tablets and Ritalin SR tablets should be taken at least 30 to 45 minutes before a meal. Extended-release Ritalin LA capsules can be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your medicine label.
Do not crush, chew, or break a sustained-release tablet. Swallow the tablet whole. Breaking the tablet may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
To make swallowing easier, you may open the Ritalin LA capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of pudding or applesauce. Swallow right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use.
While using Ritalin, your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Ritalin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep track of your medicine. Methylphenidate is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is later than 6:00 p.m. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of methylphenidate could be fatal.
What should I avoid while taking Ritalin?
Methylphenidate may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Ritalin: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
Methylphenidate can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.
Common Ritalin side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
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