Ritalin side effects: A detailed guide

This article describes possible side effects of Ritalin. You can explore this overview article to learn more about Ritalin, including the drug’s uses, dosage, ways to save on cost, and more.

Ritalin is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral tablet. It’s available in a generic version called methylphenidate.

Ritalin has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effects of Ritalin in detail” section below.

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More common side effects of Ritalin

Ritalin may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication. Common Ritalin side effects in adults are similar to those seen in children.

Commonly reported side effects of Ritalin include:

• decreased appetite
• dry mouth
• fast heart rate
• headache
• difficulty sleeping*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Ritalin in detail” section below.

Mild side effects of Ritalin

Ritalin may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that do not go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of Ritalin that occurred in studies include:

• decreased appetite
• dry mouth
• feeling nervous
• headache
• mildly increased heart rate
• nausea
• stomach pain
• sweating more than usual
• difficulty sleeping*
• weight loss

Ritalin may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Ritalin in detail” section below.

Serious side effects of Ritalin

Ritalin may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from Ritalin, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Ritalin.

Serious side effects of Ritalin that occurred in studies include:

• circulation problems, such as Raynaud phenomenon
• eye problems, including glaucoma
• fast or irregular heart rate
• heart problems
• high blood pressure
• liver problems
• low blood cell counts, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
• new or worsening mental health problems, including depression, mania, and psychosis
• new or worsening tics (sudden, repeated movements or sounds), including Tourette syndrome
• priapism (a prolonged and potentially painful erection)
• rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that can cause life threatening complications)
• risk of abuse, misuse, and dependence*†
• slowed growth in children*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Ritalin in detail” section below.
† Ritalin has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of Ritalin in detail” section below.

Suicide prevention

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
• Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

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Allergic reaction

For some people, Ritalin can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious. You can learn more about possible symptoms in this article.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Ritalin, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Common questions about side effects of Ritalin

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of Ritalin. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How do Ritalin side effects compare to Concerta side effects?

The side effects of Ritalin and Concerta are very similar. They are both brand-name versions of methylphenidate. But Concerta is a long-acting form of methylphenidate that lasts about 12 hours. Because of this, its side effects may take longer to wear off during the day than Ritalin’s side effects.

For example, Concerta may decrease your appetite all day long. But with Ritalin, one dose doesn’t last all day. It only lasts about 4 to 5 hours. So, your appetite should come back sooner after a single dose.

To learn more about how these two drugs compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Are Ritalin side effects in females the same as those in males?

Ritalin side effects in males* and females* are the same, with one exception. Ritalin can cause priapism in males, which is an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours. This condition can be painful. It’s also a medical emergency because it can permanently damage the penis if left untreated.

Get immediate medical care if you experience priapism. Talk with your doctor if you’re having other sexual side effects. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage them.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.

Does Ritalin have emotional side effects?

Yes, Ritalin can cause mental or emotional side effects. These can include new or worsening mental health problems such as:

• anxiety
• depression
• mania
• psychosis

If you experience emotional side effects on Ritalin, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage them.

Side effects of Ritalin in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of Ritalin.

Risk of abuse, misuse, and dependence

Ritalin has a boxed warning for the risk of abuse, misuse, and dependence. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Misuse and abuse means taking a drug in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. Misuse and abuse can lead to substance use disorders, including addiction. Addiction means you continue taking a drug even though it may be causing harm.

Symptoms of addiction may include a strong desire for the drug and difficulty controlling your use of the drug. Misusing or abusing Ritalin can lead to serious or fatal side effects, including suicidal thoughts or actions. 

Misuse and abuse can also lead to overdose and death. The risk of overdose and death is higher when Ritalin is taken in ways that are not approved, such as snorting or injecting it.

Taking Ritalin can also lead to dependence. Dependence means your body needs the drug in order to function like usual. 

Withdrawal symptoms can occur if you are dependent on a drug and you suddenly stop taking it. Due to this risk, doctors usually reduce the dosage of Ritalin slowly over time.

Taking Ritalin for a long time increases the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms may include:

• anxiety and distress
• depression or other mood changes
• fatigue
• increased appetite
• sleep problems
• unusual or unpleasant dreams

Ways to manage

If you experience misuse or addiction, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend ways to get help. 

If you have thoughts of suicide during Ritalin treatment, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Or tell your doctor right away. You can also refer to this article for ways to seek support.

To prevent withdrawal symptoms, do not stop taking Ritalin without talking with your doctor first. They can recommend a safe way to stop. If you experience any of the withdrawal symptoms listed above, call your doctor right away or seek medical care. 

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more.

Slowed growth in children

In studies, slowed growth in height and weight were reported in children taking Ritalin. This side effect may be serious.

With slowed growth, children may not grow as tall or gain as much as weight as expected. Slowed growth can also include unwanted weight loss in children. This slowed growth was seen in children taking Ritalin 7 days per week for many months. This effect is usually temporary, but it can last as long as a child takes Ritalin.

Taking Ritalin for a long time increases the risk of having slowed growth. 

Ways to manage

Due to the risk of slowed growth, doctors often check the height and weight of children during Ritalin treatment. They may stop treatment if a child isn’t growing or gaining weight as expected.

If you have concerns about slowed growth, talk with your doctor. 

Trouble sleeping

Trouble sleeping has been reported with Ritalin. This side effect is common and usually mild.

Trouble sleeping can cause problems the next day. It can make it harder to pay attention and focus on tasks. It can also cause mood changes and errors in judgment. These problems may get worse if trouble sleeping continues.

Ways to manage

If you’re having trouble sleeping, talk with your doctor about ways to manage it. They may recommend taking Ritalin earlier in the day or changing the timing of your doses. People who have trouble sleeping should take their last dose of the day before 6:00 p.m.

Warnings for Ritalin

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking Ritalin.

Boxed warning

Ritalin has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

For details, see the “Side effects of Ritalin in detail” section above.

Other warnings

It may not be safe for you to take Ritalin if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether Ritalin is a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking Ritalin, tell your doctor about your health and the medications you take. Things to consider include:

• circulation problems
• eye problems, including glaucoma
• heart defects
• heart conditions or a family history of heart problems
• high blood pressure
• past or current mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, or a family history of these problems
• past alcohol or substance use problems
• tics, including Tourette syndrome
• past allergic reaction to Ritalin

Ritalin and pregnancy

It’s not known whether Ritalin should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Your doctor may talk with you about a pregnancy registry. This registry monitors the outcome of taking medications for (ADHD), such as Ritalin, during pregnancy. It helps scientists learn more about the effects of ADHD medications during pregnancy. You can learn more or register by visiting the website or calling 866-961-2388.

Ritalin and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Ritalin should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Ritalin and alcohol

Ritalin is not known to interact with alcohol.

But drinking alcohol may still cause problems for people taking Ritalin. Alcohol can have effects on your heart and blood pressure. This could worsen Ritalin’s side effects. 

Also, Ritalin and alcohol have opposite effects on your brain. So, Ritalin may not work as well as it should, or you might not realize how alcohol is affecting you.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with Ritalin.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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.