How And When To Take Methylphenidate For Adults

Dosage for methylphenidate

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

Standard tablets

The usual starting dose for adults is 5mg, taken 2 or 3 times a day.

For narcolepsy, the usual starting dose is 10mg, increasing to a maximum of 20mg or 30mg. This can sometimes go up to a total of 60mg a day. You can split larger doses so you can take them 2 or 3 times a day.

Your doctor may increase your dose gradually (usually weekly) until they find the dose of methylphenidate that works best for you.

Slow release tablets

The usual starting dose for slow release tablets is 18mg, taken once a day. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose, 18mg at a time (usually weekly), until they find the dose that works best for you.

Slow release capsules

The usual starting dose for slow release capsules is 10mg, taken once a day. Your doctor may increase the dose gradually (usually weekly), until they find the dose that works best for you.

It's important to stick to the same brand of methylphenidate if it's not causing any side effects.

Important

If your usual brand of methylphenidate is unavailable, you may be able to get a similar medicine from another brand. If you need to switch, your doctor should make sure the type and dose matches the one you've been taking.

How to take methlyphenidate

How you take methylphenidate depends on whether your tablets or capsules are standard or slow release. Different brands may have different instructions. Always read the instructions that come with your medicine.

Standard tablets

Swallow your tablet whole with a glass of water, milk or squash. Do not chew it.

You'll usually take standard tablets 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 tablets can be crushed and added to food. You can crush standard Medikinet or Ritalin tablets, and mix them with a small amount of soft food such as yogurt, honey or jam. Swallow the mixture straight away, without chewing.

Slow release tablets or capsules

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

You'll usually 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 a 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 slow release capsules, some brands can be opened so you can mix your medicine with a small amount of soft food, such as yoghurt, honey or jam. Swallow the mixture straight away, without chewing. You cannot do this with slow release tablets.

Important

Do not crush or break slow release tablets. If you do, the medicine will not work properly. Talk to a pharmacist if you're unsure how to take methylphenidate tablets or capsules.

How long to take it for

You may need to take methylphenidate for several months or even years. You will not usually need to take it for the rest of your life.

It's a good idea to talk to your doctor every year about taking methylphenidate. That way, they can check how well it's working for you and whether you still need it. Your doctor may recommend stopping methylphenidate for a while, or reducing the dose.

If you forget to take it

If you forget a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

Stopping methylphenidate

If you stop taking methylphenidate suddenly, you may get withdrawal symptoms, such as depression.

Talk to your doctor first and only stop taking methylphenidate if they advise you to. They'll usually help you reduce your dose gradually until you stop completely. This helps to avoid extra side effects.

If you take too much

The amount of methylphenidate it takes to cause an overdose is different for everyone.

It's important to get medical advice if you take more than your prescribed dose of methylphenidate.

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

Contact 111 for advice now if:

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the methylphenidate packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

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