This article describes Ritalin’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Ritalin. If you want to know more about Ritalin, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Ritalin is a brand-name medication that comes as a tablet and extended-release capsule that you swallow. (“Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.) It’s available in a generic version called methylphenidate. This article describes dosages of Ritalin.
Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and addiction
Ritalin has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
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Forms and strengths of Ritalin
Ritalin comes in these forms and strengths in milligrams (mg):
| Form | How to take | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| tablet | take by swallowing | • 5 mg • 10 mg • 20 mg |
| capsule (extended release)* | take by swallowing | • 10 mg • 20 mg • 30 mg • 40 mg |
* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
Dosage of Ritalin
This article describes the recommended dosages for Ritalin. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Ritalin without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Ritalin in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Ritalin. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Ritalin that gives the desired outcome.
The usual dosage of Ritalin in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy is:
- Starting dosage: 5 mg twice per day
- Maintenance dosage: 20–30 mg per day (taken in two to three divided doses)
- Maximum dosage: 60 mg per day (taken in two to three divided doses)
Note that Ritalin LA is not approved to treat narcolepsy.
Dosages of Ritalin in children
Ritalin is approved in children ages 6 years and older with attention ADHD. The usual dosage is:
- Starting dosage: 5 mg twice per day (before breakfast and lunch)
- Maximum dosage: 60 mg per day (taken in two to three divided doses)
Ritalin LA is an extended-release capsule. It is approved for children ages 6–12 years with ADHD. The usual dosage is:
- Starting dosage: 20 mg once per day in the morning
- Maximum dosage: 60 mg once per day in the morning
Your doctor may increase your child’s dosage of Ritalin LA by 10 mg per day per week. The capsule may be opened and sprinkled on applesauce if needed.
Your child’s starting dosage of Ritalin LA may be higher or lower if they are already taking Ritalin or another methylphenidate product.
Dosage adjustments for Ritalin
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Ritalin based on several factors. These include:
- the severity of the condition being treated
- the form of Ritalin prescribed
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of Ritalin
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Ritalin. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Ritalin and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Ritalin and its dosage.
What is considered a high dose or low dose of Ritalin?
Most adults will end up on a maintenance dose of 20–30 mg of Ritalin per day. This should be divided into two to three doses. Doses below 20 mg per day would be considered low. Doses above 30 mg per day would be considered a higher dose. The maximum dose is 60 mg per day.
Speak with your doctor if you have concerns about your Ritalin dose.
Will my dose of Ritalin be calculated based on my weight?
No. The starting dosage of Ritalin is usually 5 mg twice per day. Your doctor will monitor your response to the drug and increase your dosage if needed. Your dosage will likely be increased by 5–10 mg per day. You should take the lowest effective dose.
If you have questions about how your dose of Ritalin may be calculated, speak with your doctor.
Can Ritalin be used for depression? If so, what is the dosage?
Ritalin is not approved to treat depression. But there are studies that show it may help with depression symptoms in certain people. If your doctor prescribes Ritalin for depression, it would be considered off-label use. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
Speak with your doctor to learn if Ritalin is a good option for your condition.
Is Ritalin taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Ritalin as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take Ritalin, talk with your doctor.
How Ritalin is taken
You’ll swallow Ritalin oral tablet two to three times per day. If you have difficulty sleeping while taking Ritalin, then you should take the last dose before 6 p.m.
Ritalin LA (the extended-release capsule) is taken by mouth once per day in the morning.
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Ritalin coupon
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