Key takeaways
- Ritalin is available as an oral tablet. It is also available as an extended-release oral capsule under the name Ritalin LA.
- Ritalin is typically taken two to three times per day, while Ritalin LA is taken once per day in the morning.
- Dosages may vary depending on age and the condition being treated.
Ritalin is used in adults and certain children to treat ADHD. It is also used in adults to treat narcolepsy. Ritalin LA is used in certain children to treat ADHD.
This article describes the dosages of Ritalin, as well as its strengths and how to take the drug.
Ritalin comes in two forms, each with varying strengths.
| Form | Strength | |
|---|---|---|
| Ritalin | oral tablet | • 5 milligrams (mg) • 10 mg • 20 mg |
| Ritalin LA | extended-release (ER) oral capsule | • 10 mg • 20 mg • 30 mg • 40 mg |
Below is a dosage chart for Ritalin’s dosages in adults. The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
| Condition | Typical dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|
| ADHD | 20 to 30 mg per day, divided into two or three doses | 60 mg per day |
| narcolepsy | 20 to 30 mg per day, divided into two or three doses | 60 mg per day |
If you have questions about the Ritalin dosage that’s right for you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is Ritalin used long term?
It’s possible. How long you’ll take Ritalin depends on the severity of your symptoms, your age, and the form of Ritalin you’re prescribed.
Your doctor will monitor your condition from time to time to see if you still need to take Ritalin to manage your symptoms. They’ll have you stop your treatment if you experience bothersome side effects or if you no longer need to take the medication.
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Ritalin is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy in children ages 6 years and older. Ritalin LA is used to treat ADHD in children ages 6 to 12 years old.
Note: Ritalin may cause slowed growth in children. Your child’s doctor will monitor your child’s height and weight during their Ritalin treatment. If your child’s growth or weight isn’t progressing as it should, their doctor may have them stop taking Ritalin.
Children’s dosage of Ritalin for ADHD or narcolepsy
Your child’s doctor will typically start them on a low dose of Ritalin and slowly increase their dose based on how their body responds to the drug.
The typical starting dosage in children is 5 mg taken two times per day (30–45 minutes before breakfast and lunch). Then their dose may be increased by 5–10 mg weekly until they reach the right amount to manage their symptoms.
The maximum dose of Ritalin in children is 60 mg per day.
Children’s dosage of Ritalin LA for ADHD
The typical dose of Ritalin LA used in children ages 6–12 years who’ve never taken Ritalin before is 20 mg taken once per day in the morning. In some cases, your child’s doctor may decide to start at 10 mg once per day in the morning.
Based on how their body responds to the medication, their doctor may slowly increase their dose by 10 mg each week.
The maximum recommended dose of Ritalin LA is 60 mg per day.
If your child is currently taking Ritalin, their Ritalin LA dose will be based on their current Ritalin dose.
Adults typically take Ritalin two to three times per day, about 30–45 minutes before meals. You should take the last dose of Ritalin at least 4–5 hours before bedtime. This is because taking it too late at night can cause insomnia (trouble sleeping).
Children typically take Ritalin twice per day, about 30–45 minutes before breakfast and lunch. For children prescribed Ritalin LA, they’ll take one dose per day, in the morning.
You should not crush, cut, or chew either form of Ritalin. If you have trouble swallowing tablets or capsules, talk with your doctor. You can see this article for tips on how to swallow tablets or capsules.
If your child is prescribed Ritalin LA capsules and they can’t swallow them whole, you can open the capsules and sprinkle the contents onto a spoonful of applesauce. Your child should swallow the contents without chewing.
Controlled substance
Ritalin and Ritalin LA are Schedule II controlled substances regulated by the federal government because they have a high potential for misuse. Store Ritalin or Ritalin LA in a secure area and keep an accurate count of the medication to help prevent misuse of the medication. Take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you miss a dose of Ritalin in the morning, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its usual time.
You should not take a missed dose of Ritalin late in the day or in the evening because it can cause insomnia.
Quick tip: If you need help remembering to take your dose of Ritalin on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Ritalin than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- agitation
- heart palpitations
- high blood pressure
- fast heart rate
- seizures
- confusion
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing something that’s not really there)
In rare cases, overdose of Ritalin can lead to coma or can be fatal.
What to do in case you take too much Ritalin
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Ritalin. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach Poison Help or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Ritalin’s dosage.
When you first begin treatment with Ritalin, your doctor will typically start you on a low dose and see how your body responds to treatment. The dosage of Ritalin your doctor prescribes is based on several factors. They include the severity of your symptoms, your age, other medications you may be taking, and other conditions you may have.
Your doctor may gradually increase your dose weekly until you reach the dose that provides the desired effect. The maximum recommended dose of Ritalin or Ritalin LA is 60 mg per day. If you have concerns that your dose of Ritalin is too high, talk with your doctor. They may try adjusting your dose or discuss other treatment options to manage your condition.
No, your dosage of Ritalin is not calculated by weight.
Instead, your dose is based on the severity of your symptoms, your age, and other factors. Your doctor will likely prescribe a low dosage of Ritalin when you begin treatment. Then they’ll slowly increase your dose if needed to manage your symptoms.
It’s important to note that Ritalin and Ritalin LA can cause slowed growth and reduced weight gain in children. Your child’s doctor will monitor their growth and weight during their treatment with Ritalin or Ritalin LA. They’ll have your child stop taking the drug if their growth or weight isn’t progressing as it should.
No, Ritalin is not used for depression. In fact, Ritalin and Ritalin LA can cause mental health side effects such as manic or psychotic episodes. Before starting the medication, your doctor will discuss these side effects of the medication and ask about your mental health history.
Because Ritalin isn’t used for depression, the drug manufacturer doesn’t provide recommended dosages for this use. To learn more about your treatment options for depression, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the manufacturer of Ritalin and Ritalin LA. If your doctor recommends either of these medications, they’ll prescribe the drug and dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Ritalin without your doctor’s recommendation. Take the medication exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- Will my child’s dosage of Ritalin be adjusted if they have slowed growth?
- How long does it take Ritalin to start working after I take a dose?
- Would I have a higher risk of side effects with the maximum dosage of Ritalin?
Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.