Concerta is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also sometimes used to treat narcolepsy.

It comes as standard (immediate release) tablets and capsules well pharmacy. You can also get slow release (extended, modified or prolonged release) tablets and capsules which release the medicine into your body gradually.

For children and young people aged 18 years and under, read our information on methylphenidate for children.

• 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.
• Slow release methylphenidate is usually taken once a day. With standard tablets or capsules, your doctor may recommend taking them up to 3 times a day.
• It’s best to stick to the same brand of methylphenidate. Different brands of slow release tablets and capsules 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, speak to your doctor first.
• Other brand names for methylphenidate are Tranquilin, Xaggitin and Xenidate

Methylphenidate can be taken by most adults. However, it is not suitable for everyone.

Tell your doctor before starting the medicine 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 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

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 slow release. Different brands of slow release methylphenidate may also have different instructions.

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.

Slow release tablets and capsules

Also called XL, extended, modified or prolonged release.

Slow 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 well pharmacy.

Dose for standard 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 well pharmacy.

Dose for slow 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 slow 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 well pharmacy.

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 well pharmacy.

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 slow release tablets or capsules

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

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 have problems swallowing capsules, some brands of methylphenidate slow 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 well pharmacy.

What if I’m sick?

If you are sick (vomit) less than 30 minutes after taking methylphenidate, take the same dose again. If you are sick more than 30 minutes after taking your medicine, do not take another dose. Wait until the next dose is due well pharmacy.

If you are sick again, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

What if I forget to take it?

If you forget a dose, skip the missed dose and wait until it’s time for the next dose. Take the next dose as usual.

Do not take a double dose 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 well pharmacy.

What if I take too much?

The amount of methylphenidate that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.

Taking too much methylphenidate can cause symptoms such as:

• being sick
• feeling unusually happy, confused or agitated
• muscle twitching, seizures or fits (shaking, uncontrolled movements
• seeing, feeling or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations)
• a fast, slow or uneven heart beat (palpitations)
• sweating, flushing (red face) or high temperature
• headaches well pharmacy.