Methylphenidate
The most widely used ADHD medicine, in short-acting and long-acting forms. A controlled (Schedule 8) medicine, so the paperwork is real, but so is the evidence.
At a glance
- For
- ADHD in children from age 6, teenagers and adults
- Works
- About 7 in 10 people with ADHD improve on the first stimulant they try, and more if a second is tried. Effects are large in children and moderate in adults
- Cost
- $25 a script on the PBS with an authority ($7.70 concession), if PBS rules are met (see below). Otherwise a private script, which costs more
- Kicks in
- 20–60 minutes. Short-acting lasts 3–4 hours, Ritalin LA about 8 hours, Concerta about 12 hours
- Taken for
- Months to years, with regular reviews
- Watch for
- Less appetite, trouble sleeping, headache, tummy ache, irritability as it wears off, faster pulse
Spotted an empty Concerta tablet in the toilet? That’s normal. The shell passes out whole after the medicine has been released.
Brand names
- Short-acting tablets: Ritalin 10, Artige, Rinidate
- Long-acting capsules: Ritalin LA
- Long-acting tablets: Concerta, Methylphenidate Sandoz XR, Methylphenidate-Teva XR, Methylphenidate XR ARX
How it works
Methylphenidate blocks the reuptake of dopamine and noradrenaline, so more is available in the brain circuits that steer attention, focus and impulse control.
Used for
- ADHD in children from age 6 and teenagers (TGA-approved)
- ADHD in adults (approved for some long-acting brands; prescribed under state rules)
PBS and prescribing rules
- Short-acting (Ritalin 10 and generics): PBS authority, with no age-at-diagnosis rule.
- Ritalin LA: diagnosed before 18, or diagnosed as an adult with childhood symptoms confirmed by a parent, teacher, sibling or other third party.
- Concerta and its generics: only if diagnosed between ages 6 and 18 inclusive. People first diagnosed as adults don’t qualify, so it’s a private script.
- State rules: each state and territory sets who can start and continue stimulants and what permits are needed. Usually a paediatrician or psychiatrist starts it; in some states GPs can now diagnose and prescribe.
Side effects
Full side-effect list (from the product information)
How often, from the official product information. Bold = serious.
Very common more than 1 in 10
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Nervousness
Common 1 in 10 to 1 in 100
- Less appetite, weight loss
- Slower height and weight gain in children with long-term use
- Faster heartbeat, palpitations, raised blood pressure
- Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth
- Irritability, anxiety, low mood, aggression, mood swings
- Dizziness, drowsiness, restlessness, jerky movements
- Cough, sore throat, joint pain, fever
- Rash, itch, hair loss
Uncommon 1 in 100 to 1 in 1,000
- Psychosis or hallucinations
- Suicidal thoughts
- Tics or worsening tics
- Tremor, double or blurred vision
- Chest pain, shortness of breath
- Raised liver enzymes
Rare 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000
- Mania, disorientation
- Angina
- Sweating, rash
Very rare fewer than 1 in 10,000
- Seizures
- Heart attack, cardiac arrest, sudden death
- Cerebral arteritis or stroke-like episodes
- Cold, pale fingers (Raynaud’s)
- Low blood counts
- Liver problems
- Severe skin reactions
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Frequency not known reported, rate unclear
- Dependence
- Anaphylaxis
- Confusion, delusions
- Prolonged or painful erections
Get help urgently if
- Chest pain, fainting, a racing or irregular heartbeat, seizure, sudden weakness or trouble speaking
- Hallucinations, paranoia, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm (Lifeline 13 11 14)
- Swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing. Call 000
- An erection lasting more than 4 hours
Good to know
- Schedule 8 controlled drug. Can be misused and cause dependence. Store securely; never share.
- Pulse, blood pressure, appetite, sleep, mood and (in children) height and weight are checked regularly. Tell your doctor about any heart problems or family history of sudden death. Avoid with MAOI antidepressants.
- Swallow Concerta and XR tablets whole. Ritalin LA capsules can be opened and sprinkled on a spoonful of apple sauce. Take in the morning to protect sleep.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding or driving: discuss with your doctor. Non-stimulant options include atomoxetine, guanfacine and clonidine.
Common questions
What’s the difference between Ritalin and Concerta?
Same medicine, different delivery. Ritalin 10 lasts 3 to 4 hours, so it’s taken two or three times a day. Ritalin LA lasts about 8 hours and Concerta about 12, so they’re usually taken once in the morning.
Can adults get methylphenidate on the PBS?
Short-acting methylphenidate, yes, with an authority. Ritalin LA, yes, if diagnosed in childhood or diagnosed as an adult with childhood symptoms confirmed by someone else. Concerta and its generics only if diagnosed between 6 and 18. State rules on who can prescribe also apply.
Is methylphenidate addictive?
Taken as prescribed, dependence is uncommon, but it can be misused, which is why it’s a controlled (Schedule 8) medicine. Store it securely and never share it.
What are the common side effects of methylphenidate?
Headache, trouble sleeping, nervousness and less appetite are the most common. Pulse, blood pressure and, in children, growth are checked regularly.
Information only. Not a recommendation or endorsement of any product. Whether a medicine suits you depends on your health and other medicines, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist. In an emergency, call 000 (Australia) or your local emergency number. From a mobile, 112 works in most countries.
More information
- Australian Prescriber: Pharmacological management of ADHD in adults (2026)
- Cortese et al. 2018: Comparing ADHD medicines in children and adults (The Lancet Psychiatry)
- PBS: Methylphenidate modified-release age criteria (correction notice)
- RANZCP: Ritalin LA PBS listing extended to adults (2023)
- PBS: Methylphenidate 10 mg
- PBS: Methylphenidate 18 mg modified release
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