Metadate CD, a long-acting form of methylphenidate, is used off-label to improve focus, control impulsivity, and manage hyperactivity in adults with ADHD. Its combination immediate- and extended-release formulation starts working quickly and lasts up to 8 hours.
Learn more about Metadate CD and if it might be right for you. Find an ADHD specialist on Klarity Health to discuss Metadate CD with an appointment often in as little as 24 hours.*
Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
Brand-name Metadate CD (methylphenidate hydrochloride CD) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001 for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in pediatric patients aged 6 to 15. Brand-name Metadate CD was discontinued in 2017. Metadate CD, as generic methylphenidate CD, is still available. It’s also used off-label, meaning for something that isn’t approved by the FDA, to treat ADHD in adults.
Metadate CD is an extended-release central nervous system (CNS) stimulant containing methylphenidate hydrochloride. It comes as generic methylphenidate CD in capsule form and provides controlled symptom relief throughout the day.
Metadate CD and generic methylphenidate CD work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters or chemical messengers that affect attention, focus, and impulse control.
Metadate CD prevents dopamine and norepinephrine from being reabsorbed into the brain’s cells, increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine available. Higher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine help balance the brain’s activity and improve impulse control, attention, and hyperactivity.
Metadate CD and generic methylphenidate CD capsules are designed to work immediately and throughout the day. They use a biphasic release formulation. The capsules contain an outer layer that immediately releases 30% of the dose, so it starts managing symptoms quickly. The outer layer gradually releases the remaining 70% over the next 6 to 8 hours. This extended-release system provides consistent symptom control throughout the day.
Metadate CD and generic methylphenidate CD are FDA-approved for pediatric patients aged 6 to 15 diagnosed with ADHD. They’re sometimes used off-label for the treatment of ADHD in adults as well.
To determine if methylphenidate CD, or any other ADHD medication, if any, is right for you, consult with a licensed healthcare provider.
Getting a prescription for Metadate CD or generic methylphenidate CD requires a consultation with a licensed, board-certified healthcare provider, such as a psychiatrist (MD), psychiatric nurse practitioner (PNP), primary care provider (PCP and MD), physician assistant (PA), or nurse practitioner (NP).
Klarity Health makes scheduling a consultation to discuss an ADHD treatment plan that may include Metadate CD convenient and easy. A provider experienced in treating ADHD will review your symptoms, medical history, and needs to determine if a medication like Metadate CD, therapy, or a combination of both is right for you. If both medication and therapy are recommended, you’ll work with different providers for each — and can find both on Klarity Health.
If your provider determines that Metadate CD is medically necessary for you, they can send your prescription to your preferred pharmacy, whether online or local.
Metadate CD capsules and generic methylphenidate CD come in 10-, 20-, 30-, 40-, 50-, and 60-milligram capsules.
For adults taking Metadate CD for the first time, the starting dose is 20 milligrams taken orally once a day. The capsules are swallowed whole with water in the morning before breakfast.
Capsules shouldn’t be crushed. For individuals who can’t swallow pills, they can be opened, and their contents sprinkled onto a tablespoon of applesauce or something similar. The contents of the capsule and the applesauce should be swallowed and not chewed.
If your provider determines your dose of Metadate CD needs to be increased, they’ll have you increase your daily dose by 10 to 20 milligrams a week until you find your ideal maintenance dose. The maximum dose for adults is 60 milligrams a day.
If you need to discontinue Metadate CD, your provider will have you gradually decrease your dose in weekly increments to help prevent withdrawal symptoms, which can include fatigue, insomnia, depression, and decreased appetite.
Metadate CD can cause side effects, though they’re often mild and may decrease with time. Common side effects of Metadate CD and generic methylphenidate CD include headache, abdominal pain (stomach ache), anorexia (loss of appetite), nervousness, and insomnia.
Rare but serious side effects when taking Metadate CD include increased blood pressure and heart rate, sudden death in patients who have heart problems or heart defects, stroke and heart attack in adults, mental (psychiatric) issues such as psychosis, worsening of motor and verbal tics including a worsening of Tourette syndrome, circulation problems in fingers and toes, seizures, prolonged and painful erections, long-term suppression of growth in children, and visual disturbances.
Metadate CD is a Schedule II controlled substance with an FDA-boxed warning for the risk of abuse, misuse, and dependence.
If you take Metadate CD and experience any negative side effects, work with your provider and consider reporting side effects to the FDA by visiting MedWatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
The costs of 30 capsules of methylphenidate hydrochloride (30/70 release) on drugs.com and with its discount are:
– 10 milligrams: $278.89
– 20 milligrams: $193.70
– 30 milligrams: $192.82
– 40 milligrams: $366.05
– 50 milligrams: $423.99
– 60 milligrams: $471.70
Many insurance plans cover generic methylphenidate CD. And, with or without insurance, you can save 3 to 80% by using a prescription or drug discount card from SingleCareRx, NeedyMeds, drugs.com, WellRx, GoodRx, and similar sites.
There’s little research comparing Metadate CD to other CNS stimulants. But 1 study found that Metadate CD compared to Concerta (methylphenidate ER) provides better symptom control from 1.5 hours to 4.5 hours after a dose. But, Concerta provides better symptom control than Metadate CD in the early evening, 12 hours after a dose.
Metadate CD, Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine), Concerta (methylphenidate), and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are all in the stimulant drug class. All are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. CNS stimulants are proven effective and used as a first-line treatment for ADHD.
Unlike Adderall, which contains amphetamine salts, Metadate CD, Concerta, and Ritalin use methylphenidate as their active ingredient, though their release times differ. Ritalin and Metadate CD both have extended/biphasic release formulations. Adderall doesn’t, but Adderall XR (extended-release) contains a mixture of immediate-release and delayed-release beads.
Non-stimulant options for treating ADHD include Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). They’re both selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs) and FDA-approved to treat ADHD. But they work differently than stimulants. These medications don’t directly change how much dopamine is released. Instead, they stop serotonin and norepinephrine from being reabsorbed too quickly. When more of these brain chemicals remain available, they help reduce hyperactivity, boost focus, and improve impulse control.
Stimulants, like Metadate CD, Concerta, Adderall, and Ritalin, can cause side effects, including insomnia, nausea, reduced appetite, irritability, and increased heart rate. They’re also controlled substances and can lead to misuse, abuse, and dependency.
NRIs may have fewer stimulant-related side effects, which can include decreased appetite, dry mouth, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, irritability, and headache. Because they aren’t controlled substances, they don’t lead to abuse, misuse, or addiction. This may make them a better alternative for someone with a substance use disorder (SUD).
The best way to determine which ADHD medication, if any, is right for you is to see a licensed provider experienced with ADHD treatment who can tailor treatment to your unique needs.
Reviews from real patients who received care from providers on Klarity Health.
Providers on Klarity Health are licensed, board-certified, and offer a personalized approach to your unique online ADHD treatment needs. See detailed profiles for each provider and find an approach that’s best for you. (Costs for treatment options may vary.)
Your journey to reduced ADHD symptoms starts with an initial consultation. Your provider will work with you to recommend the right program for you and that may or may not include prescription medication and/or therapy.
Your initial ADHD consultation is just the beginning. You and your provider will follow up to make sure you’re doing okay and are reaching your goals. You stay on track with ongoing support from your provider(s) and medication refills if needed.
If you have questions or need assistance, the friendly Klarity Health Patient Support team is there to help. Along with your provider, they’re committed to making sure you have the best care and support throughout treatment.
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances like Metadate CD, Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, and Vyvanse, may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.