Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. It can help you to concentrate better, be less impulsive, and feel calmer. Methylphenidate is a stimulant that works by increasing the amount of a substance called dopamine in your brain.
Medication is just 1 part of treatment for ADHD. It's used to support other changes to your lifestyle and behaviour. Read more about ADHD in ADHD in adults and ADHD in children.
Methylphenidate is also used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder.
Methylphenidate comes in different strengths and forms
The different forms work differently in how they release the medicine into the body, and this can affect how they work to manage ADHD symptoms. Some types of methylphenidate are standard (immediate release) tablets and others are slow release (also called extended, sustained or modified release) tablets and capsules.
Immediate release tablets
- Examples are Rubifen (5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg) or Ritalin 10 mg.
- Although standard tablets are sometimes called immediate release, they can still take a few hours to start working.
- Their effect lasts about 4 hours.
Sustained release tablets
- An example is Rubifen SR 20 mg.
- They gradually release the medicine over the day and their effect lasts about 8 hours.
Extended release tablets
- Examples are Concerta or Methylphenidate ER – Teva.
- They come as 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg and 54 mg tablets.
- They gradually release the medicine over the day and their effect lasts about 8 hours.
Modified release capsules
- An example is Ritalin LA (10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg).
- The modified-release capsules contain both immediate-release and slow release methylphenidate, and different strengths have different amounts of each.
- They 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 and lasts for about 12 hours.
Always follow the advice of your doctor and the instructions that come with the medicine. Different brands of methylphenidate tablets and capsules may have different instructions.
August 2024: There's a New Zealand-wide shortage of the Concerta and Teva extended-release (ER) methylphenidate brands. Concerta and Teva ER come as 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg and 54 mg tablets. All strengths may be affected by the supply issue, which is expected to last until the middle of next year (2025). Some people may not be able to get a supply of their usual strength of tablet. At times, neither brand may be available and you may be switched to another type of methylphenidate. What should I do if I'm taking Concerta or Teva ER? ✔ Before getting your next prescription, contact your usual pharmacy to see which forms are available, or when supplies are expected. ✔ If you are affected by this supply issue, see your doctor to discuss whether you should be prescribed a different form of methylphenidate. ✔ If you are prescribed a different form of methylphenidate, make sure you know how to take it. Different brands of methylphenidate tablets and capsules may have different instructions. ✔ Always follow the advice of your doctor and the instructions that come with the medicine. ✔ Your doctor may discuss a treatment break with you. (See below: How long will I (or my child) take methylphenidate for?) Note: The special authority (SA) number for your methylphenidate may be linked to 1 particular formulation. Check this with your healthcare provider as your doctor may need to apply for a new SA number so other formulations are covered while there are supply shortages. Learn more about the Methylphenidate ER tablets (Concerta and Teva) supply issue.(external link) |