Quillivant XR (methylphenidate) is a prescription drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Quillivant XR can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include appetite loss and difficulty sleeping.
Specifically, Quillivant XR is used to treat ADHD in adults and children ages 6 years and older.
The active ingredient in Quillivant XR is methylphenidate. The drug comes as an extended-release liquid suspension you swallow. “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over time.
Keep reading to learn about common, mild, and serious side effects that Quillivant XR can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.
Quillivant XR has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effects explained” section.
Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during Quillivant XR treatment. Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:
- appetite loss
- difficulty sleeping
- nausea and vomiting
- indigestion (upset stomach)
- abdominal pain
Mild side effects have been reported with Quillivant XR. These include:
- abdominal pain
- appetite loss
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- feeling anxious
- indigestion
- irritability
- nausea and vomiting
- difficulty sleeping
- weight loss
In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop Quillivant XR treatment unless your doctor recommends it.
Quillivant XR may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.
While not common, serious side effects have been reported with Quillivant XR. These include:
- increased blood pressure
- increased heart rate
- priapism (a prolonged, painful erection)
- circulation problems in fingers or toes, including Raynaud phenomenon
- increased pressure in the eye, which may lead to glaucoma
- new or worsening tics or Tourette syndrome
- new or worsened mental health conditions*
- slowed growth in children*
- boxed warning: risk of misuse and addiction*
If you develop serious side effects while taking Quillivant XR, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.
Note: After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Quillivant XR, visit MedWatch.
ALLERGIC REACTIONFor some people, Quillivant XR can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies but has occurred since Quillivant XR was approved for use.
What might help
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Quillivant XR treatment.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Quillivant XR, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Quillivant XR’s side effects.
How do side effects of Quillivant XR compare with those of Ritalin?
Quillivant XR and Ritalin are both stimulants that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD, and both contain methylphenidate as their active ingredient. The active ingredient in both medications is the same, so, they cause very similar side effects.
The table below details how some side effects of Quillivant XR and Ritalin compare. You can check out the prescribing information for Quillvant XR or Ritalin to learn more. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist.
| Side effect | Reported with Quillivant XR | Reported with Ritalin |
|---|---|---|
| appetite loss | ✓ | ✓ |
| difficulty sleeping | ✓ | ✓ |
| new or worsened mental health conditions* | ✓ | ✓ |
| slowed growth in children* | ✓ | ✓ |
| boxed warning: risk of misuse and addiction* | ✓ | ✓ |
* To learn more about Quillvant XR and this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.
Do Quillivant XR and Adderall have similar side effects?
Yes, Quillivant XR and Adderall are both stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD, and they have similar side effects.
The table below shows how a few side effects of Quillivant XR and Adderall compare. This isn’t a comprehensive list of all possible side effects, though. To learn more about possible side effects, check out the prescribing information for Quillvant XR or Adderall, or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
| Side effect | Reported with Quillivant XR | Reported with Adderall |
|---|---|---|
| boxed warning: risk of misuse and addiction* | ✓ | ✓ |
| slowed growth in children* | ✓ | ✓ |
| appetite loss | ✓ | ✓ |
| feeling anxious or nervous | ✓ | ✓ |
| new or worsened mental health conditions* | ✓ | ✓ |
* To learn more about Quillvant XR and this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.
Keeping track of side effectsDuring your Quillivant XR treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start a new drug or combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things such as:
- what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
- how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
- what your symptoms were
- how your symptoms affected your daily activities
- what other medications you were taking
- any other information you feel is important
Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Quillivant XR affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Learn more about some of the side effects Quillivant XR may cause.
Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and addiction
Quillivant XR has a boxed warning regarding the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Misuse refers to taking a drug in a way other than how your doctor prescribes it. Examples of misuse include taking the drug at higher doses or more often than recommended by your doctor. Misuse can lead to addiction, in which a drug is taken even if it’s causing harmful effects. Misusing Quillivant XR can increase your risk of overdose, which can lead to death in extreme cases.
Due to these risks, Quillivant XR is a controlled substance. This means the drug has an approved medical use, but may be misused for other purposes. It also means government agencies, doctors, and pharmacists pay close attention to how it’s prescribed and used. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information.
Factors that can increase the risk of misuse or addiction when taking this drug include having a substance use disorder, such as opioid use disorder.
What might help
Your doctor will closely monitor you for signs of misuse throughout your treatment with Quillivant XR. They may stop your treatment if misuse or addiction occurs.
While taking Quillivant XR, keep your prescription locked in a safe location where others cannot access it.
If you have questions or concerns about this boxed warning, talk with your doctor.
Slowed growth in children
Slowed growth in children has been reported with Quillivant XR and other stimulants used to treat ADHD.
Quillivant XR studies didn’t report how common or rare this side effect was in children. However, on average, children treated with Quillivant XR for 36 months were about 6 pounds (lb) lighter and 3/4 inches shorter than expected for their age. This data was compared with children who did not take this medication.
What might help
During treatment with Quillivant XR, your child’s doctor should closely monitor your child’s height and weight. Your child’s doctor may temporarily or permanently stop your child’s Quillivant XR treatment if they believe your child isn’t growing at an appropriate rate for their age.
New or worsened mental health conditions
New or worsened mental health conditions were a very rare side effect reported in studies of Quillivant XR.
New or worsened mental health conditions possible with Quillivant XR include:
- changes in mood
- psychosis, which can cause symptoms including:
- mania, which can cause symptoms including:
- extreme euphoria or excitement
- rapid speech and racing thoughts
- depression, which can cause symptoms such as:
- loss of interest in activities or hobbies you typically enjoy
- fatigue or loss of energy
Factors that can increase the risk of new or worsened mental health conditions when taking Quillivant XR include having:
- bipolar disorder or mania
- schizophrenia or another condition that can cause psychosis
- depression
- current or past suicidal thoughts or actions
What might help
If you develop new or worsened symptoms of a mental health condition while taking Quillvant XR, immediately contact your doctor. They may want to stop your Quillivant XR treatment. In addition to treating your mental health side effects, they can also review other ADHD treatments besides Quillivant XR with you.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- 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’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Below is important information you should consider before starting Quillivant XR.
Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and addiction
Quillivant XR has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the “Side effects explained” section.
Other warnings
Quillivant XR can sometimes cause harmful effects in people with certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether this drug is a good treatment option for you.
Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Quillivant XR. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:
- eye problem, especially glaucoma or farsightedness (problems seeing things that are close)
- heart condition, such as coronary artery disease or arrhythmia
- high blood pressure
- mental health condition, including depression, bipolar disorder, mania, or schizophrenia
- Raynaud phenomenon or other conditions affecting blood flow in your fingers and toes
- substance use disorder
- Tourette syndrome
- previous allergic reaction to Quillivant XR
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- alcohol consumption
Disclaimer: Healthline 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.