Methylphenidate

What it is used for

• ADHD in children aged 6 and over, young people and adults

Read our guides:

• ADHD

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

• Narcolepsy

How it works

Methylphenidate stops dopamine and noradrenaline being taken back into nerve cells, so more is available in the brain. This improves attention and self-control.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Methylphenidate can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

• loss of appetite
• trouble sleeping
• headache
• stomach ache
• feeling anxious or irritable
• a fast heartbeat

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

• chest pain, fainting or a very fast or irregular heartbeat
• seeing or hearing things that are not there
• new tics or twitches
• thoughts of harming yourself

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

• It is a controlled drug. Keep it safe and never share it.
• Height, weight, blood pressure and heart rate are checked regularly.
• Different long-acting brands release the medicine differently. Do not switch without advice.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.