How much ritalin to take

Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance. Take the methylphenidate packet, or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you. Go to Like all medicines, methylphenidate can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. These common side effects may happen in more than 1 in people. Keep taking the medicine, but tell your doctor if they bother you or do not go away:. Serious side effects are uncommon and happen in less than 1 in people.

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. It's extremely rare to have an allergic reaction anaphylaxis to methylphenidate but if this happens to you, stop taking the medicine and:. These are not all the side effects of methylphenidate.

For a full list, see the leaflet inside the medicines packet. 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. 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,. Taking methylphenidate with these medicines can cause a sudden increase in your blood pressure.

This could be dangerous. MAOIs include:. If you are taking any of the following medicines, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking methylphenidate:. 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. 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.

It's not known exactly how methylphenidate works. It's thought to boost the levels of chemicals called dopamine and noradrenaline in your brain. This can increase activity in the parts of the brain that control attention and behaviour. When you first take methylphenidate, you will start on a low dose.

Your doctor will usually increase this gradually until they find the dose that works best for you. This means it might take a few weeks before you see any benefits.

When you have found the right dose, methylphenidate should start to work within 30 to 60 minutes of taking it. 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.

That way, you can check how you are getting on with it and whether you still need it. Your doctor may recommend stopping methylphenidate for a while, or reducing the dose.

It's not really known how safe it is to take methylphenidate for a long time. However, if methylphenidate is not taken properly, you can become physically dependent on it. This means you're more likely to get withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly. Always follow the instructions carefully, and do not stop taking your medicine suddenly. Talk to your doctor first. Addiction problems usually only happen if you take methylphenidate more often than prescribed, or at a higher dose than recommended.

Only stop taking methylphenidate if your doctor tells you to. If you suddenly stop taking it, you may get withdrawal symptoms, such as depression. Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking methylphenidate.

This is to help you avoid any extra side effects. Try not to drink alcohol while taking methylphenidate. This is because alcohol can increase the effects of methylphenidate and make you more likely to get side effects.

Methylphenidate will not affect any type of contraception. This includes the combined pill and emergency contraception. However, if using methylphenidate makes you sick, or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do. Find out what to do if you're on the pill and you're sick or have diarrhoea.

There is no evidence to suggest that methylphenidate will affect fertility in either men or women. They may want to review your treatment. Some people might get side effects like feeling dizzy, blurred vision, difficulty focusing or feeling sleepy when taking methylphenidate.

If this happens it may be dangerous to drive or ride a bike. And the same applies to any sports, games or other activities where you need good vision, balance and concentration to be safe.

It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking methylphenidate. UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving. Some people find that methylphenidate does not work for them.

If this applies to you, your doctor may recommend other ADHD medicines, such as dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine and atomoxetine. Psychological treatments for ADHD can also be helpful for some people. This includes behavioural therapy and talking therapy. Speak to your doctor if you are interested in finding out about alternative treatments.

Do not stop taking your methylphenidate without talking to your doctor first. Some studies have suggested that supplements of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help people with ADHD. However, the evidence is very limited and more research is needed. You should talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. This is because some supplements can react with methylphenidate - and cause side effects, or make your medicine work less well.

Page last reviewed: 27 July Next review due: 27 July Methylphenidate for adults - Brand names: Ritalin, Concerta, Delmosart, Equasym, Medikinet On this page About methylphenidate for adults Key facts Who can and cannot take methylphenidate How and when to take methylphenidate Side effects How to cope with the side effects of methylphenidate Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions about methylphenidate.

About methylphenidate for adults Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD. 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. Extended 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.

Do not stop taking methylphenidate suddenly, speak to your doctor first. Other brand names for methylphenidate are Tranquilin, Xaggitin and Xenidate. 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. 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.

Extended release tablets and capsules Also called XL, slow, modified or prolonged release. Dose for standard release tablets or capsules The usual starting dose for adults is 5mg, taken 2 or 3 times a day. Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming and cause mental or physical dependence.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. To help prevent trouble with sleeping, take the last dose of the short-acting tablets before 6 PM, unless your doctor gives you a different time.

If you are taking the chewable tablet, drink at least 8 ounces of water or other liquid when you chew the tablet. Take it preferably 30 to 45 minutes before meals. Shake the oral liquid gently just before using it. Use a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup to measure the right dose.

Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Keep from freezing. For the extended-release suspension: Dispose of any unused suspension 4 months after it is used for the first time. Store the extended release disintegrating tablets in the reusable travel case after you remove it from the carton.