What is Ritalin? Ritalin. or Methylphenidate hydrochloride-the generic for Ritalin, is a stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to manage symptoms of narcolepsy. It affects the parts of the brain and central nervous system that control hyperactivity and impulses. Ritalin is one of the trade names for the drug known as methylphenidate. Other brand names can include Concerta, Methylin, and Metadate. When did the FDA approve Ritalin? Methylphenidate was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1955 for treating what was then referred to as hyperactivity. Is a generic version of Ritalin available? Yes, the generic name for Ritalin is methylphenidate. Ritalin vs. Adderall: What Are the Differences? There are a lot of similarities between the two medications. Both drugs are stimulants used to treat ADHD, and both are habit-forming and classified as Schedule II controlled substances. If you have a history of substance use problems, it's important to let your doctor know before taking either medication. As far as differences, the primary chemical in Ritalin is methylphenidate; in Adderall it's amphetamine. Ritalin comes in three forms: instant release (lasting 3-4 hours), sustained-release (lasting 6-8 hours), and long-acting (lasting 8 hours). Adderall comes in two formulations: instant release (lasting 4-6 hours) and extended-release (lasting 12 hours). Article continues below Concerned Your Child May Have ADHD? Take our 2-minute Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder quiz to see if your child may benefit from further diagnosis and treatment. Take Child ADHD Assessment Both medications help many people with ADHD by improving symptoms that interfere with their ability to focus and pay attention. Ritalin and Adderall also lessen impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies show that for approximately 80% of adults with ADHD, methylphenidate provides relief of symptoms. The main difference is that Ritalin works more quickly than Adderall and Adderall stays in the body longer. Can children take Ritalin? Children 6 and older may be prescribed Ritalin for ADHD. The medication should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. It's also important to tell your child's doctor about adverse side effects or reactions to other medications. Be sure to report any history of substance use as well. How is Ritalin therapy usually started? Typically the medication is started at a low dose and may be increased based on response and tolerability of side effects. There are many different formulations available such as immediate-release tablets, sustained-release tablets, or extended-release capsules, so dosing may differ depending on the formulation used. Potential Drug Interactions Associated with Ritalin Do not take Ritalin if you have taken or received Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in the past two weeks. Examples of MAOI include linezolid, IV methylene blue, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline (patch or oral), and rasagiline. The best way to avoid drug interactions is to discuss all other medications (and supplements) with your doctor before starting methylphenidate therapy. What medical conditions would make someone ineligible for Ritalin therapy? Do not take Ritalin if you are allergic to the medication or have any of the following conditions: glaucoma, Tourette's symptoms, and history of muscle tic. Ritalin can also worsen symptoms of severe anxiety or agitation. Talk to your doctor if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, seizures, circulation problems, a history of mental illness such as depression or bipolar disorder, or a history of substance use problems. You should not take Ritalin if you are allergic to the medication. Also if you have glaucoma, Tourette's symptoms, a history of muscle tics, you should not take Ritalin. The drug can also make symptoms of severe anxiety or agitation even worse. Also talk to your doctor if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, seizures, circulation problems, a history of mental illness such as depression or bipolar disorder, or a history of substance use problems. How long does it take for Ritalin to work? The timing of effects depends on the type of tablet (instant, sustained, or long-acting) as well as the dosage. The onset of action for extended-release (ER) formulations is as follows: Extended-release (ER) formulations: capsules (Metadate CD, Ritalin LA), tablets (Concerta): 20 to 60 minutes Immediate-release (IR) formulations: chewable tablet, oral solution, tablet (Methylin, Ritalin): 20 to 60 minutes Sustained-release tablet (Ritalin SR, a Canadian product): 60 to 180 minutes. Transdermal patch (Daytrana): 60 minutes Quick-release versions of the medication typically take 30 to 45 minutes for the effects to begin but vary in how long they last: ER capsule: Metadate CD, Ritalin LA: 6 to 8 hours ER tablet (Concerta): 8 to 12 hours ER tablet (Metadate ER): 8 hours IR formulations (chewable tablet, oral solution, IR tablet [Methylin, Ritalin]): 3 to 5 hours Sustained-release tablet (Ritalin SR [Canadian product]): 2 to 8 hours Transdermal patch (Daytrana): 11 to 12 hours, Portland, United States, 97058  (Show me directions) Show Map

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