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Introduction

Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
Medically reviewed by Amber Watson, PharmD
Updated on September 22, 2023

Methylphenidate (meth il FEN i date) is a generic medication prescribed for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Methylphenidate belongs to a group of drugs called stimulants.

These approved uses differ based on the form of methylphenidate your doctor prescribes.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of methylphenidate. To find coupons for methylphenidate extended-release (ER) oral tablet,* see this article. For coupons for methylphenidate extended-release (ER) oral capsule,* see this article. To see coupons for methylphenidate transdermal patch,† view this article.

* Extended-release oral tablet and extended-release oral capsule release the drug slowly into your body over a long period of time.
† A transdermal patch attaches to your body and delivers medication through your skin.

Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and dependence

Methylphenidate has a boxed warning about the risk of misuse and dependence. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for methylphenidate” section.

Side effects of methylphenidate

Methylphenidate may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of methylphenidate and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about methylphenidate’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for methylphenidate listed in the “Resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of methylphenidate are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of methylphenidate you use.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about methylphenidate’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for methylphenidate listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Methylphenidate oral tablet’s mild side effects may include:

• feeling anxious or nervous
• headache
• dry mouth
• appetite loss
• mild allergic reaction*

Methylphenidate transdermal patch’s† mild side effects may include:

• skin redness or discoloration at the site where the patch is applied
• appetite loss
• nausea and vomiting
• abdominal pain
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for methylphenidate” section.
† A transdermal patch is a patch that attaches to your body and delivers medication through your skin.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of methylphenidate are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of methylphenidate you use.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about methylphenidate’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for methylphenidate listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, methylphenidate’s serious side effects include:

• heart and blood vessel effects, including high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke
• mental health side effects, including hallucinations, or new or worsening depression
• blood flow problems, including Raynaud’s phenomenon
• priapism (a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours that needs immediate medical treatment)
• seizures
• slowed growth in children
• vision problems, including blurry vision or vision changes
• boxed warning: risk of misuse and dependence*
• severe allergic reaction*

In addition to the side effects above, methylphenidate transdermal patch† can cause a permanent loss of skin color (chemical leukoderma) around the area where the patch is applied.

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for methylphenidate” section.
† A transdermal patch is a patch that attaches to your body and delivers medication through your skin.

Common questions about methylphenidate

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about methylphenidate.

What brand names are available for methylphenidate?

There are many different brand name products available for methylphenidate based on the dosage form, as shown in the table below.

* “Extended release” means that the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
† This form is only available as the brand name. It’s not available as a generic.

A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to know more about generic and brand-name forms for methylphenidate.

How does methylphenidate work? And how long does it take to start working?

Methylphenidate is a type of drug called a stimulant. It’s not fully understood how stimulant drugs work to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. One idea about the mechanism of action (how a drug works) is that stimulants, like methylphenidate, can increase the levels of certain chemicals in your brain. These chemicals play a key role in controlling areas of your brain that deal with focus, concentration, behavior, and sleep patterns.

How long it takes methylphenidate to work depends on the dosage form you’re prescribed. Extended-release (ER) forms typically take longer to work, but the effect usually lasts longer.

If you’d like to know more about how methylphenidate works or how long it may take to work for you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is methylphenidate similar to Adderall?

Yes, methylphenidate is similar to Adderall.

Both methylphenidate and Adderall are approved to treat ADHD, as well as narcolepsy, in adults and some children. Approved uses can differ based on the form of Adderall or methylphenidate.

Both drugs are available in many different forms, some of which are available as a generic medication while others are only available as a brand name.

One key difference between these drugs is the active ingredient. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Adderall contains a mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts. Methylphenidate, on the other hand, is its own active ingredient.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to know more about how methylphenidate and Adderall compare.

Uses of methylphenidate

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as methylphenidate for certain conditions. Approved uses for methylphenidate are described below. These uses differ based on the form of methylphenidate prescribed.

Use for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Doctors may prescribe methylphenidate for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment. All forms of methylphenidate are approved for this use.

ADHD is a mental health condition that can cause certain types of behavior, such as:

• high levels of activity
• impulsive actions
• difficulty focusing on tasks
• being easily distracted
• difficulty sitting still

ADHD can also cause changes to energy levels. These changes tend to happen more often and are more intense than in people who do not have ADHD.

Use for narcolepsy

Doctors may prescribe methylphenidate oral tablet, oral solution, or chewable tablets for treating narcolepsy. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that affects your nervous system and makes it hard to sleep in a regular pattern. This can cause you to feel very sleepy during the day.

Other symptoms of narcolepsy can include:

• a “sleep attack,” which happens when you suddenly fall asleep while doing an activity, such as driving or working
• cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle tone)
• sleep paralysis, which is an inability to speak or move for a short time when falling asleep or waking up

Interactions and warnings for methylphenidate

Below, you’ll find information about methylphenidate’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of methylphenidate

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take methylphenidate, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for methylphenidate” section below.

Warnings for methylphenidate

Some people should not take methylphenidate, and others should use it cautiously.

Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and dependence

Methylphenidate has a boxed warning about the risk of misuse and dependence. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Similar to other stimulant drugs, treatment with methylphenidate involves a risk for misuse and dependence. “Misuse” means a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed. And “dependence” means the body needs the drug in order to function like usual. It’s possible to be dependent on methylphenidate even when the drug is taken as prescribed. It’s important to note that being physically dependent on a drug is different from addiction.

Misusing methylphenidate can cause serious side effects, including hallucinations and psychosis. These side effects can be life threatening, such as in the event of an overdose.

Due to the risk for dependence, you should not suddenly stop taking methylphenidate. Withdrawal symptoms can occur if you stop taking a drug your body is dependent on. If you want to stop taking methylphenidate, your doctor can help by putting together a drug taper plan for you. With a drug taper plan, you slowly lower your dose of a drug over time until it’s safe to stop taking it.

Before prescribing methylphenidate, your doctor will likely ask if you have a substance use disorder or history of misuse. This helps your doctor determine whether methylphenidate is safe for you to take. If your doctor prescribes methylphenidate for you, they’ll usually monitor you closely for signs of misuse.

To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other warnings

Methylphenidate could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether methylphenidate is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of methylphenidate you use.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for methylphenidate, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Methylphenidate can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to methylphenidate or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe methylphenidate. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to methylphenidate, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of methylphenidate

If you take methylphenidate, you should not take more than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much methylphenidate, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and methylphenidate

Information about methylphenidate and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Methylphenidate and pregnancy
There are risks to taking methylphenidate during pregnancy.

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about treatment options for your condition during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take methylphenidate during pregnancy.

If you and your doctor decide you’ll take methylphenidate during pregnancy, consider joining the National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications. Pregnancy registries help monitor the safety of medications when used during pregnancy. You can learn more or sign up by calling 866-961-2388 or by visiting this site.

Methylphenidate and breastfeeding

There are risks to taking methylphenidate while breastfeeding.

For instance, methylphenidate may cause agitation and feeding difficulties in a child who is breastfed.

If you’re planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about treatment options for your condition. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take methylphenidate during this time. Your doctor may recommend other healthy ways to feed your child.

What to ask your doctor

Let your doctor know if you have questions about methylphenidate or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• What factors may determine the form of methylphenidate you’ll prescribe for me?
• Am I at a higher risk for side effects than other people if I take methylphenidate?
• If I’m unable to afford my prescription, what are my options?
• Are there foods I should avoid while taking methylphenidate?
• Do interactions differ based on the form I take?

Resources

• Adderall CII. (2017). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/011522s044lbl.pdf
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Methylphenidate hydrochloride chewable tablets CII. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/4de3567d-01e1-4be5-bfbc-0a4d6601a212/spl-doc
• Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets, for oral use, CII. (2021). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/f6581305-cd1e-4171-8c1b-e184c7bde033/spl-doc
• Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules, for oral use, CII. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/f7a7ffd1-bc30-4db8-8391-dddf76acd639/spl-doc
• Methylphenidate hydrochloride oral solution, CII. (2021). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/e0a3cc3c-db6f-4693-9ad5-2b719b62fd92/spl-doc
• Methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets, for oral use, CII. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/4f3c91e6-4576-4326-bdab-7d8fb7c09bb8/spl-doc
• Methylphenidate transdermal system, CII. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/7bcff873-1fc2-45bc-a8e4-5db4edeb9bfb/spl-doc

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.