Always follow the instructions that come with your medicine carefully.

How you take your methylphenidate depends on whether the medicine is standard (immediate release) or extended release.

Standard release tablets and capsules

These are also called immediate release, although it can still take a while for the medicine to release into your body. You may not notice any changes in your behaviour straight away.

Extended release tablets and capsules

Also called XL, slow, modified or prolonged release.

Extended release tablets and capsules start to work with a first release of the medicine into the body. After that, the medicine continues to release into the body more slowly.

Dosage and strength

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

Dose for standard release tablets or capsules

The usual starting dose for adults is 5mg, taken 2 or 3 times a day. For narcolepsy, you will usually take between 10mg and 60mg a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually (usually weekly) until they find the dose of methylphenidate that works best for you.

Dose for extended release capsules

The usual starting dose for adults is 10mg, taken once in the morning. Your doctor may increase the dose gradually (usually weekly) until they find the dose that works best for you.

Dose for extended release tablets

The usual starting dose for adults is 18mg, taken once in the morning. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose by 18mg at a time (usually weekly) until they find the dose that works best or you.

How to take it

How to take standard tablets or capsules

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

Standard tablets or capsules are usually taken 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 standard tablets can be crushed and added to food. For example, if you are taking Medikinet or Ritalin tablets, you can crush them and mix it with a small amount of soft food such as yogurt, honey or jam. Swallow the mixture straight away, without chewing.

How to take extended release tablets or capsules

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

Take extended release tablets and capsules in the morning.

If you’re taking the brand called Equasym XL, take it before breakfast. If you are taking Medikinet XL, take it with or after breakfast.

If you have problems swallowing capsules, some brands of methylphenidate extended release capsules can be opened up and added to a small amount of soft food, such as yogurt, honey or jam. Swallow the mixture straight away, without chewing.

About methylphenidate for adults