Key takeaways

  • Ritalin is approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, with the appropriate dosage varying based on individual factors like age and the condition being treated. Doctors typically start with a low dose and adjust as needed.
  • The medication comes in two forms: Ritalin oral tablets and Ritalin LA extended-release oral capsules, each with different strengths. The maximum daily dosage for both forms is 60 milligrams (mg).
  • Ritalin carries a boxed warning regarding the risk of misuse and dependence, necessitating regular monitoring by a healthcare professional. Symptoms of misuse include increased heart rate, restlessness, and aggression.

Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a prescription drug prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in adults and children ages 6 years and older. The drug comes as an oral tablet. It also comes as an extended-release capsule under the name Ritalin LA. It’s usually taken up to 3 times per day.

The active ingredient in Ritalin is called methylphenidate. Ritalin belongs to a drug class called stimulants. It is available in a generic version.

* Ritalin LA comes as an extended-release oral capsule. With extended-release, the drug releases slowly into your body over time.

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended for Ritalin. Be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those mentioned here.

Ritalin forms

Ritalin comes in two forms: oral tablets (Ritalin) and extended-release oral capsules (Ritalin LA).

Ritalin strengths

Ritalin and Ritalin LA come in the following strengths:

  • Ritalin:
    • 5 milligrams (mg)
    • 10 mg
    • 20 mg
  • Ritalin LA:
    • 10 mg
    • 20 mg
    • 30 mg
    • 40 mg

The prescribed Ritalin dosage may vary depending on the condition it’s being used to treat. Always follow your prescribing doctor’s instructions. Notify them if you experience any side effects that may prevent you from taking your medication.

Dosage for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

The recommended starting dosage of Ritalin for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults is 20 to 30 mg per day. The maximum daily dosage is 60 mg.

Dosage for narcolepsy

The recommended starting dosage of Ritalin for narcolepsy in adults is 20 to 30 mg per day. The maximum daily dosage is 60 mg.

Ritalin is approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy in children ages 6 years and older. Ritalin LA is approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 to 12 years. Your child’s doctor will determine the form and dosage of Ritalin that’s right for your child’s condition.

Children’s dosage for ADHD

If your child is 6 to 12 years old, your child’s doctor may prescribe Ritalin or Ritalin LA. If your child is 13 years or older, they’ll be prescribed Ritalin.

The recommended starting dosage of Ritalin for ADHD is 5 mg taken twice per day. Your child will take their first 5 mg dose before breakfast and their second 5 mg dose before lunch. Your child’s doctor may increase their dosage by 5 to 10 mg each week if needed. The maximum daily dosage of Ritalin is 60 mg.

The recommended starting dosage of Ritalin LA for ADHD in children ages 6 to 12 years is 20 mg taken once per day. Your child’s doctor may increase their dosage by 10 mg each week if needed. The maximum dosage of Ritalin LA is 60 mg taken once per day.

Children’s dosage for narcolepsy

The recommended starting dosage of Ritalin for narcolepsy in children ages 6 years and older is the same as for ADHD: 5 mg taken twice per day. Your child will take their first 5 mg dose before breakfast and their second 5 mg dose before lunch.

Your child’s doctor may increase their Ritalin dosage by 5 to 10 mg each week if needed. The maximum daily dosage of Ritalin is 60 mg.

If your doctor prescribes Ritalin, they may divide your total daily dose into two or three doses. You take these doses throughout the day, about 30 to 45 minutes before meals. If you have trouble falling asleep at night, they’ll advise you to take your last dose before 6 p.m.

It may be helpful to take Ritalin around the same time(s) of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Ritalin can work effectively. For example, if you (or your child) take Ritalin before breakfast and lunch, take the drug at these times each day.

If your child is prescribed Ritalin LA, they take it once per day before breakfast. The capsule should be swallowed whole with a glass of liquid.

If your child has trouble swallowing capsules, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the beads on a small amount of cold applesauce. Your child should swallow the applesauce mixture right away and should not chew the beads.

If you have trouble swallowing capsules or tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having difficulty opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Ritalin in an easy-open container. They may also recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

The active drug in Ritalin, methylphenidate, is a stimulant. Similar to other stimulant medications, Ritalin has a boxed warning about the risk of misuse and dependence. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how a doctor prescribed it. And with dependence, your body needs the drug to function as usual. The risk of misuse and dependence with these medications may be higher in people who’ve ever had a substance use disorder.

Symptoms of Ritalin abuse include:

Your doctor may discuss these risks before they prescribe Ritalin for you. And they may check in with you regularly while you’re taking the drug. If you experience any of the symptoms listed previously, tell your doctor right away. They can advise whether you should continue taking Ritalin. They may also recommend a different treatment option for your condition.

Note: If you experience thoughts of suicide or harming yourself, tell your doctor right away or call 911 or your local emergency number. You can also refer to this article for ways to seek support.

If you take more Ritalin than your doctor prescribes, you may develop harmful effects.

It’s important that you do not take more Ritalin than your doctor advises.

Symptoms of an overdose

Ritalin overdose symptoms can include:

If you take more than the recommended amount of Ritalin

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Ritalin. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Ritalin and its dosage.

What is considered a high dose or low dose of Ritalin?

What’s considered a high dose and low dose of Ritalin depends on several factors. These include your age and the form of Ritalin you take. Doctors typically prescribe a low dosage at the start of Ritalin treatment.

For children, the usual starting dosage is 10 milligrams (mg) Ritalin or 20 mg Ritalin LA per day. For adults, the starting dosage is 20 to 30 mg Ritalin per day. However, your (or your child’s) doctor may prescribe a higher dosage to help manage your condition. The maximum daily dosage of Ritalin and Ritalin LA is 60 mg.

To learn about Ritalin forms, strengths, and dosages, see the “Ritalin dosage” section for details. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Can Ritalin be prescribed for depression? If so, what’s the dosage?

Possibly. Ritalin as a treatment for depression hasn’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, the drug may be prescribed off-label for depression. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than its approved one. Ritalin is FDA approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy in adults and some children.

If your doctor recommends Ritalin for your condition, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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