Ritalin (methylphenidate) is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. It’s 1 of the most popular stimulant medications for ADHD.
Wondering if Ritalin is right for you? Find an ADHD provider on Klarity Health to find out and get a Ratalin prescription online if eligible.
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.
Find an ADHD specialist on Klarity Health and access:
or in-person and with treatment tailored to you*
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*Some states require at least one in-person visit before a prescription is written. Your provider will discuss treatment options with you, which may or may not include medication.
Ritalin is a brand-name stimulant medication. It was FDA-approved for ADHD in 1961. It’s been around longer than many other ADHD medications. It’s also approved to treat narcolepsy.
Ritalin is 1 of the most popular ADHD medications available. It’s shown to improve cognitive function and reduce impulsivity in people with ADHD. It’s also a Schedule II controlled substance. This means it has the potential for misuse and addiction if not taken as prescribed.
Ritalin is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It works by increasing the amounts of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are the brain’s chemical messengers.
Dopamine is involved in motor function and the brain’s reward system. In people with ADHD, the brain’s reward system sees the energy it takes to complete a task as greater than the benefits of expending that energy. This makes it hard for people with ADHD to find the energy to start things. Studies show that increased dopamine improves motivation.
Your body makes norepinephrine from dopamine. And norepinephrine plays a key role in regulating attention, cognitive function, and stress reactions. Increasing it addresses ADHD symptoms, like inattention and impulsivity. It also affects your sleep-wake cycle and helps maintain your blood pressure when you’re under stress.
You can take Ritalin for ADHD if you have an ADHD diagnosis from a licensed healthcare professional. It’s FDA-approved for use in adults and children 6 years and older.
Ritalin isn’t recommended if you’re sensitive to methylphenidate, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or have glaucoma. Also, you shouldn’t take it with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of taking one.
To get a prescription for Ritalin online, you need an ADHD diagnosis from a licensed, board-certified healthcare professional. Providers who can diagnose and treat ADHD include physicians (MDs), physician assistants (PAs), and nurse practitioners (NPs).
You can find qualified providers licensed to practice in your state on Klarity Health. Once you have a diagnosis, your provider will tailor an ADHD treatment plan to your needs. If your plan includes medication, such as Ritalin, fill your prescription at any pharmacy that has it in stock.
Ritalin, among other stimulant ADHD meds, is often in short supply. Before you fill your prescription, check with your pharmacy to see if they have it in stock.
Learn more in 5 steps to get Ritalin online for ADHD.
Ritalin comes in 2 forms: immediate-release (Ritalin) and extended-release (Ritalin LA). Generic forms are available for both.
Ritalin is an oral tablet. It comes in 3 strengths — 5, 10, and 20 milligrams. The typical adult dosage is 20 to 30 milligrams by mouth per day. The maximum dose is 60 milligrams. You can divide your daily dose into 2 to 3 doses if needed. It’s recommended you take each dose 30 to 45 minutes before a meal. If you have trouble sleeping, be sure to take your last dose before 6 p.m.
Ritalin LA is an oral capsule that lasts 24 hours. It comes in 4 strengths — 10, 20, 30, and 40 milligrams. The typical starting dose is 20 milligrams once a day. Your dose can be increased by 10 milligrams weekly until you find your ideal dose. The maximum dose is 60 milligrams a day.
Ritalin’s most common side effects include fast or abnormal heartbeat (palpitations), headache, trouble sleeping, nervousness, increased sweating, decreased appetite, dry mouth, nausea, and stomach pain.
There’s also the potential for serious side effects with Ritalin. People with existing heart or psychiatric problems are at greater risk for adverse reactions. It might increase or decrease blood pressure and/or your heart’s pulse rate. And, Ritalin has a boxed warning for abuse, misuse, and addiction. It’s a Schedule II controlled substance and isn’t recommended if you have a history of substance abuse or dependence.
Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more about Ritalin’s side effects, drug interactions, contraindications and whether it’s right for you.
Learn what to expect when starting Ritalin.
A 1-month supply of Ritalin costs $97 for the 5-milligram strength, $134 for 10 milligrams, and $189 for 20 milligrams. Ritalin LA costs more. A 1-month supply of Ritalin LA costs $1,338. You could pay less if you have health insurance that covers it or try a lower-cost generic version.
Ritalin and Ritalin LA are available as generic methylphenidate. Immediate-release oral tablets of methylphenidate (generic form of Ritalin) at $16 to $28 for a 1-month supply, depending on strength. Methylphenidate extended-release oral capsules (generic form of Ritalin LA) cost up to $353 for a 1-month supply.
Costs shown here are from drugs.com and reflect its discount.
If you want to save 3% to 80% on Ritalin with or without insurance. Check prescription discount sites like NeedyMeds, GoodRx, WellRx, SingleCareRx, and BuzzRx, or ask your pharmacy to check into discounts for you.
ADHD medications include stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulant medications, like Ritalin, begin relieving ADHD symptoms almost immediately. They’re also the first-line treatment for ADHD. Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) — another stimulant — is the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication. Ritalin, and other medications containing methylphenidate, come in second. Compared to Adderall, Ritalin is shown to work faster.
Non-stimulants, like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine), aren’t addictive. But they can take 1 to 6 weeks to become fully effective.
The best way to find out which ADHD medication is best for you is to talk to an ADHD specialist.
Learn more about how Ritalin compares to other ADHD medications:
Ritalin vs Adderall | Ritalin vs Focalin | Jornay PM vs Ritalin | Vyvanse vs Ritalin | Concerta vs Ritalin | Strattera vs Ritalin
Learn more about ADHD medications and stimulants vs non-stimulants.
Testimonials from real patients who received care from providers on Klarity Health.
Providers on Klarity 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 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. 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 Ritalin and Adderall 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.
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.
PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063
100 Broadway Street, Redwood City CA, 94063
PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063
100 Broadway Street, Redwood City CA, 94063
