Why is Ritalin® Prescribed?
Methylphenidate (Ritalin®) is a medication that is commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both pediatric and adult patients. Ritalin® is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to improve focus, increase attention span, and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity in individuals with ADHD.
Ritalin® is sometimes also prescribed for narcolepsy, a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden “attacks” of sleep.
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How Long Does it Take For Ritalin® to Start Working?
The onset of action for Ritalin® depends on the formulation and the individual. Immediate-release formulations typically start working within 30- 60 minutes of administration, while extended-release formulations may take 1-2 hours.
How long Ritalin® takes to start working can also be affected by the dosage, individual metabolism, and the presence of food or other medications in the body.
How Long Do the Effects of Ritalin® Last?
The effects of Ritalin® vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s physiology and the dosage. However, the typical duration of action of immediate release Ritalin® is 3-4 hours and extended-release (ER) form can last up to 8-12 hours.
Immediate release Ritalin® reaches peak concentration in the blood between 1-2 hours after taking the medication, while extended-release Ritalin® releases medication at an equal pace, providing a more sustained effect throughout the day.
Does the Dosage of Ritalin® Affect How Long It Lasts?
The dosage of Ritalin® can affect its duration of action. Higher doses of Ritalin® can lead to a longer duration of action, however, the actual duration of the medication’s effects can still vary depending on individual factors.
Typical duration of effects of Ritalin® are as follows*:
| Dosage | Duration of Effects |
| 5-10 mg | 2-4 hours |
| 10-20 mg | 3-4 hours |
| 20-30 mg | 4-6 hours |
| 30-40 mg | 6-8 hours |
| 40-60 mg | 8-10 hours |
| 60-80 mg | 10-12 hours |
*These are only approximations. Every individual responds to medications differently.
Ritalin® vs. Other ADHD Medications: How Long Do They Last [Comparison Chart]
How long does Ritalin® last as compared to other ADHD medications? We’ve broken down the average durations of several popular ADHD drugs below.
| Medication | Duration of Effects |
| Ritalin® Immediate Release | 3-4 Hours |
| Ritalin® Extended Release | 8-12 Hours |
| Concerta® | 10-12 Hours |
| Adderall® Immediate Release | 4-6 Hours |
| Adderall® Extended Release | 10-12 Hours |
| Vyvanse® | 10-12 Hours |
| Focalin® Immediate Release | 3-4 Hours |
| Focalin® Extended Release | 8-12 Hours |
ADHD medications are not interchangeable. It is important that you do not take medication that has not been prescribed to you even if you have run out of your medication.
What Factors Impact How Long Ritalin® Lasts?
Several factors can impact how long Ritalin® lasts.
These factors include:
Age
Older adults may experience longer-lasting effects of Ritalin® compared to younger individuals due to changes in metabolism and elimination.
Weight & Metabolism
An individual’s body weight influences the drug metabolism and absorption, which can impact how long the effects of Ritalin®–and other drugs–last.
Underlying Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as diseases of the liver or kidneys, can affect how Ritalin® is metabolized by the body and the duration of the drug’s effects.
Other Medications
Taking other medications or substances concurrently with Ritalin® and impact its duration of effects.
Food and Drink
Consuming food or drink along with Ritalin® can impact how quickly it is absorbed and metabolized.[1]
How Long Does Ritalin® Stay in the Body?
The half-life of Ritalin® is approximately 3.5 hours[2], which means that it takes this amount of time for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. Ritalin®’s effects can last longer than the half life, particularly with extended-release formulations.
Ritalin® is detectable in urine for up to 3 days after last use.
Do You Crash After Taking Ritalin®?
Some individuals may experience what is called a “Ritalin® crash[3]” after the effects of the drug have worn off. This “crash” can feel more intense if the individual has taken a higher dosage or for an extended period.
Signs of “Ritalin® crash” may include fatigue, irritability, and depression. Not everyone experiences a crash, and the severity and duration of the crash varies among individuals.
How Long Do Ritalin® Side Effects Last?
How long Ritalin® side effects last depend on the individual, dosage, and formulation. Typically, immediate-release Ritalin® causes shorter-lived side effects while extended-release formulations may cause longer-lasting side effects.
If your side effects are severe, it is important to speak with your prescriber.
How Do You Come Down From Ritalin® Fast?
If you have been taking Ritalin® for an extended period or in high dosages, abrupt cessation or a sudden decrease in dosage can result in withdrawal symptoms which may have adverse effects. Tapering from Ritalin® should be done under the supervision of a medical provider.
If you have taken more than the recommended dosage of the medication, or you have taken Ritalin® recreationally and are experiencing negative side effects, seek emergency medical attention right away.
Treatment for Ritalin® Addiction
Whether you have been prescribed Ritalin® to treat symptoms of ADHD or have taken it without a prescription, Ritalin® has a high abuse potential.
Life without Ritalin® abuse is possible, and help is available.
