Ritalin
Generic: ritalin
Also known as: others
Class
Drug (Wikipedia)
Form
N/A
Route
N/A
Manufacturer
Various manufacturers
scienceActive Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength |
|---|---|
| Methyl phenyl(piperidin-2-yl)acetate |
healingIndications & Usage
Methylphenidate, sold under the brand name Ritalin and Concerta, among others, is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It may be taken by mouth or applied to the skin, and different formulations have varying durations of effect. For ADHD, the effectiveness of methylphenidate is comparable to atomoxetine but modestly lower than amphetamine. Methylphenidate reduces core ADHD symptoms and may do so in part by enhancing cognitive control of behavior (i.e., working memory and inhibitory control). At therapeutic doses, methylphenidate increases alertness and concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsive behavior in individuals with ADHD. Common side effects include loss of appetite, weight loss, trouble sleeping, and small increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Long-term treatment in children has been associated with slightly slower growth. Methylphenidate can be misused; dependence and withdrawal are mainly reported with high-dose or non-medical use and are uncommon at therapeutic doses. Methylphenidate is believed to work by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine by neurons...
scheduleDosage & Administration
Consult prescribing information or healthcare provider for dosage.
warningWarnings
Information from Wikipedia. Always verify with official sources and consult a healthcare professional.
reportAdverse Reactions
See Wikipedia article for reported adverse reactions.
blockContraindications
Consult prescribing information for contraindications.
compare_arrowsDrug Interactions
Consult prescribing information for drug interactions.
gavelLegal Status by Country
| Country | Legal Status | Prescription | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Varies | Check FDA | Consult healthcare provider |
infoLegal status may change. Always verify with local authorities before traveling internationally with medication.
scienceScientific References
- verified
FDA Drug Label
View on DailyMedopen_in_new - article
PubMed Research
Search PubMed for studiesopen_in_new
helpFrequently Asked Questions
Data Sources
This information is sourced from the FDA's public drug database (OpenFDA) and the National Library of Medicine's RxNorm API. Data was last updated on Nov 29, 2025.
FDA Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. The information provided may not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions.