About methylphenidate for adults Brand names: Ritalin, Concerta, Delmosart, Equasym, Medikinet

Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s also sometimes used to treat narcolepsy. Buy Ritalin Concerta Delmosart Equasym Medikinet methylphenidate online in UK

Methylphenidate belongs to a group of medicines called stimulants. They work by increasing activity in the brain, particularly in areas that help control attention and behaviour.

It comes as standard tablets. It also comes as slow release tablets and capsules which release the medicine into your body gradually. If your medicine says modified release or sustained release on the packet, this means that they are also slow release.

Methylphenidate is available on prescription only.

Find out more about methylphenidate for children 17 years old and under.

Key facts

• Methylphenidate is a controlled drug, which means that you may have to prove your identity when collecting your prescription. You also have to collect your prescription within 28 days.
• You’ll usually take standard tablets 2 to 3 times a day. If you’re taking slow release methylphenidate, you’ll usually take it once a day.
• Side effects can include headaches and sleep problems.
• It usually takes a few weeks for methylphenidate to work fully. It can take time to find the right type and dose. Once you do, it should start to work within 30 to 60 minutes of taking it.
• It’s best to stick to the same brand of methylphenidate. Different brands work differently in how they release the medicine into your body, and this can affect how they work to manage your symptoms.
• Do not stop taking methylphenidate suddenly without speaking to your doctor. Buy Ritalin Concerta Delmosart Equasym Medikinet methylphenidate online in UK

Who can take methylphenidate

Most adults can take methylphenidate.

Who may not be able to take methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is not suitable for some people.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take it if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to methylphenidate or any other medicine
• have difficulty swallowing – some brands may not be suitable for you
• have heart problems
• have an overactive thyroid
• have a tumour in the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)
• have mental health problems (or a close family member has mental health problems)
• have high blood pressure or problems with your blood vessels, such as vasculitis
• have epilepsy
• have tics (sudden muscle twitches of the face or body), or a family history of Tourette’s syndrome
• have glaucoma or are at risk of getting glaucoma
• are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or breastfeeding
• have problems with drugs or alcohol. Buy Ritalin Concerta Delmosart Equasym Medikinet methylphenidate online in UK

Dosage for methylphenidate

The dose of methylphenidate you need depends on what type you’re taking and what you’re taking it for.

Standard tablets

The usual starting dose for adults is 5mg, taken 2 or 3 times a day.

For narcolepsy, the usual starting dose is 10mg, increasing to a maximum of 20mg or 30mg. This can sometimes go up to a total of 60mg a day. You can split larger doses so you can take them 2 or 3 times a day.

Your doctor may increase your dose gradually (usually weekly) until they find the dose of methylphenidate that works best for you. Buy Ritalin Concerta Delmosart Equasym Medikinet methylphenidate online in UK

Slow release tablets

The usual starting dose for slow release tablets is 18mg, taken once a day. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose, 18mg at a time (usually weekly), until they find the dose that works best for you.

Slow release capsules

The usual starting dose for slow release capsules is 10mg, taken once a day. Your doctor may increase the dose gradually (usually weekly), until they find the dose that works best for you.

It’s important to stick to the same brand of methylphenidate if it’s not causing any side effects.

How to take methlyphenidate

How you take methylphenidate depends on whether your tablets or capsules are standard or slow release. Different brands may have different instructions. Always read the instructions that come with your medicine. Buy Ritalin Concerta Delmosart Equasym Medikinet methylphenidate online in UK

Standard tablets

Swallow your tablet whole with a glass of water, milk or squash. Do not chew it.

You’ll usually take standard tablets 2 or 3 times a day – in the morning, at midday and in the late afternoon. Leave at least 4 hours between doses.

If you have problems swallowing pills, some brands of tablets can be crushed and added to food. You can crush standard Medikinet or Ritalin tablets, and mix them with a small amount of soft food such as yogurt, honey or jam. Swallow the mixture straight away, without chewing.

Slow release tablets or capsules

Swallow your tablets or capsules whole with a glass of water, milk or squash. Do not chew them.

You’ll usually take slow release tablets and capsules in the morning.

Check the leaflet that comes with the medicine for when to take it and whether to take it with food.

If you’re taking a brand called Equasym XL, take it before breakfast.

If you are taking Medikinet XL, take it with or after breakfast. Buy Ritalin Concerta Delmosart Equasym Medikinet methylphenidate online in UK

If you have problems swallowing slow release capsules, some brands can be opened so you can mix your medicine with a small amount of soft food, such as yoghurt, honey or jam. Swallow the mixture straight away, without chewing. You cannot do this with slow release tablets.

How long to take it for

You may need to take methylphenidate for several months or even years. You will not usually need to take it for the rest of your life.

It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor every year about taking methylphenidate. That way, they can check how well it’s working for you and whether you still need it. Your doctor may recommend stopping methylphenidate for a while, or reducing the dose.

If you forget to take it

If you forget a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine. Buy Ritalin Concerta Delmosart Equasym Medikinet methylphenidate online in UK

Stopping methylphenidate

If you stop taking methylphenidate suddenly, you may get withdrawal symptoms, such as depression.

Talk to your doctor first and only stop taking methylphenidate if they advise you to. They’ll usually help you reduce your dose gradually until you stop completely. This helps to avoid extra side effects. Buy Ritalin Concerta Delmosart Equasym Medikinet methylphenidate online in UK

If you take too much

The amount of methylphenidate it takes to cause an overdose is different for everyone.

It’s important to get medical advice if you take more than your prescribed dose of methylphenidate.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are uncommon and happen in less than 1 in 100 people. Buy Ritalin Concerta Delmosart Equasym Medikinet methylphenidate online in UK

Methylphenidate can cause a small increase in your blood pressure and heart rate. Your doctor will usually measure your blood pressure and pulse every 6 months.

Call your doctor or call 111 straight away if you:

• have mood or personality changes, such as feeling aggressive, irritable, depressed, anxious or tense
• have fast or irregular heartbeats (palpitations)
• start seeing, feeling or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations)
• have started to get facial tics, which are quick, little movements in the muscles of your face that you cannot control – if this happens, your doctor may stop your treatment