Ritalin® (methylphenidate)

Ritalin® (methylphenidate) is a stimulant medication in the methylphenidate class used primarily in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

• Ritalin is the shortest-acting form of methylphenidate
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Formulations: 5 (generic), 10, 20 mg tabs

• Starting Dose: 5 mg BID to TID (Adults QID)
• Titration: increase by 5mg qWeekly
• Max Dose: 60 mg, all ages

• High abuse potential
• Can be crushed
• Ritalin SR (Sustained Release) also exists but is not really used clinically, since there is generally a really poor response in patients.