Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and Safety - Doctor Explains

In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Methylphenidate, also known as Concerta or Ritalin. This video is part of a video series on mental health problems. So for more mental health related videos check out this playlist:

Generic name: Methylphenidate.
Brand names: Ritalin and Concerta.
Available as a tablets, modified release tablets and capsules.

How to use it?
- Tablet: swallow it whole with half a glass of water. It is possible to chew on the tablet or break it.
- Modified release tablet or a capsule: also take it with water, but don’t break it and do not chew on it. This can decrease its effectivity.
In addition it is advised to take Methylphenidate during a meal, as this can decrease your chances on side effects.

When to use it?
Methylphenidate has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. It has properties similar to amphetamines. It can be used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and it can be used during palliative sedation.

What is the correct dosage?
The precise dose will depend on your specific indication of use, the side effect you might experience ,the severity of your symptoms and the brand of methylphenidate you might be using.Therefore always use the precise amount and frequency your doctor prescribed you.

- However, when treating ADHD symptoms with regular tablets in children older than 6 years or in adults: a usual starting dose would be 5mg 2x/day. If necessary this can be slowly increase up to a maximum dose of 60mg/day.
- Here it is important to note, that the dosages of modified release tablets and capsules may be different.
- When treating narcolepsy in adults, your doctor might prescribe a dose of 10mg/ 2-3 per day.

What are common the side-effects?
- Very common (10%): insomnia, nervousness, headache, palpitations, decreased appetite, nausea and a dry mouth.
- Common (1-10%): upper respiratory tract infection, shortness of breath, decreased appetite, weight loss, aggression, agitation, irritability, restlessness, anxiety, panic attack, stress, depression, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, tics, tremor, mood swings, fast heart rate, high blood pressure , upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, sore throat, rash, itching, fever and fatigue.
Uncommon (0.1-1%): Hypersensitivity reactions, psychotic disorders, suicidal ideas, hallucinations, blurred vision, dry eyes, chest pain, hot flush, constipation, muscle twitching and muscle tension.
- Rare (0.01-0.1%): mania, libido disorder, disorientation, chest pain, visual impairment and menstrual disorder.

Safety:
First of all be careful to combine methylphenidate with alcohol. As this might increase its dazing effects.
In addition, it can be dangerous to drive while using this drug. As it can cause you to become drowsy, sleepy and/or dizzy. If you experiencing any of these side effects than please do not drive. This is especially true for the first few weeks you are using it.
Furthermore, methylphenidate can have interactions with other drugs your are taking. always discuss this with your prescribing doctor.
Unfortunately, the effects of methylphenidate during pregnancy or while breastfeeding are not studied properly. Therefore it could be dangerous and its usages should be avoided. Always discuss this with your personal doctor, as there might be some exceptions.

- Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

I want to give special thanks to my sponsors on Patreon:
- Sebastian Houwing: Investor

Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2021). Methylfenidaat

Music:
1. Verified Picasso, Fish Room
2. Patrick Patrikos, Good Times
3: Patrick Patrikios, Rockville
4: Patrick Patrikios, Grut

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[KiwikimNZ]

How refreshing to hear a doctor say its important to continue to learn and keep up to date with the latest health information :)

[Brisco]

Your accent is Dutch, that I noticed immediately, but it's also Australian. I've never heard that combination before 😺

[DennisBolanos]

Thanks for fulfilling my request for a methylphenidate video!

[obtuseangler]

Unless it bothers your stomach its to be taken on an empty stomach not with a meal.
At least according to the stickker warnings placed on my prescription bottle by the pharmacists in Canada.

[taoteki]

I might watch this video later after taking my pills

[lloydkenny]

You're a hero. I can't find shit on Google and here you are.

[acbc]

Diarrhea is my major side effect but I’ll take it . I’m fine with Concerta

[pgaquigz]

Just started on 27mg. Love it. Taking 10 mg Ritalin at 3pm when it ware’s off too. So productive at work

[baronovuru]

good morning Dr Explicit video presentation. My name is Ovuru Baron from Nigeria, an occupational therapist, my brother is been diagnosed of ADHD he is 52 on methylphenidate, he is hypertensive, he suffers Alzeimas disease what do I do?

[Gobbenobber]

Im on 2x40 daily but you say the max daily dose is 60! Do you think I should discuss lower dose with the psychiatrist? This is methylphenidate modified release "teva"

[deckofcards]

Been on this crap for two weeks now. Gross taste in my mouth, constant anxiety, bad temper, Ritalin worked better but also makes me nervous

[ioanaludusan]

Thank you for the video ! I started taking concerta 36 mg in the morning ( I was diagnosed with ADD) and It really helps me, but let s say around 3 pm I can feel some withdrawl simptoms and irritability. should i ask my doctor to add another 18 mg of Concerta ? Or is it too soon ? we only have Concerta and Stratera in our Country for treating Add/ADHD.

[petterimunakuono]

How much should i take medikinet im 48 kg and i'm currently taking 10mg

[kenzalovemiley]

Ive been diagnosed with adhd and i started 18mg of concerta about 3 weeks ago and it does absolutely nothing to me
Does that mean i have to increase the dose?

[kesses]

I'm on 36 mg now, and have been in slow release methylphenidate. And I've been on it for 16 days. First three it really helped, then I became SO tired and sluggish. And now I mainly sit doing nothing because I have no energy and no motivation. 😔 (I was never able to sit still before so it's really a complete 180 degree turn= but I used to have some motivation) I'm also a bit dizzy on off. But blodpressure and heart rate is good. But these effects make my life A LOT worse. 😢

[Calico_Chip]

I get mania for about an hour and then I suddenly hit a low after that and it just hurts mentally when it just drops like that.

[echolegend]

I cant get my usual 80 biphentin so we're gonna switch me to concerta for a bit and they gave me 72 mg off the bat, and I've had it for 2-3 days, took it for the first time today and I've been nauseous and my stomach has been in pain pretty much since i took it. I'd rather budget my biphentin than take this everyday, especially in school

[BerlineFrye]

what is your recommendation on a patient that wants to wean off the Concerta to start straterra. whats the recommended decreasing dose, and over how many weeks if patient currently on 54mg daily

[kristamoores]

I only using few weeks 4 days I want stop done with it dony wamt go down that rd again

[Vivldi]

I was diagnosed with adhd with 30 years. I am afraid that my adhd is just stress and depression and if I take my ritalin that I will get a trip. I dont want that.