UK Methylphenidate Hydrochloride 18mg XL

Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also sometimes used to treat narcolepsy.

It comes as standard (immediate release) tablets and capsules. You can also get extended release (modified or prolonged release) tablets and capsules which releases the medicine into your body gradually.

For children and young people aged 18 years and under, read our information on methylphenidate for children.

• Methylphenidate is a controlled drug, which means that you may have to prove your identity when collecting your prescription. You also have to collect your prescription within 28 days.
• Extended release methylphenidate is usually taken once a day. With standard tablets or capsules, your doctor may recommend taking them up to 3 times a day.
• It’s best to stick to the same brand of methylphenidate.
• Do not stop taking methylphenidate suddenly, speak to your doctor first.
• Other brand names for methylphenidate are Tranquilin, Xaggitin and Xenidate

Methylphenidate can be taken by most adults. However, it is not suitable for everyone.

Tell your doctor before starting the medicine if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to methylphenidate or any other medicine
• have difficulty swallowing – some brands may not be suitable for you
• have heart problems
• have an overactive thyroid
• have a tumour in the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)
• have mental health problems (or a close family member has mental health problems)
• have high blood pressure or problems with blood vessels, such as vasculitis
• have epilepsy
• have tics (sudden muscle twitches of the face or body), or a family history of Tourette's syndrome
• have glaucoma or are at risk of getting glaucoma
• are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or breastfeeding
• have problems with drugs or alcohol

Always follow the instructions that come with your medicine carefully.

How you take your methylphenidate depends on whether the medicine is standard (immediate release) or extended release.

Standard release tablets and capsules

These are also called immediate release, although it can still take a while for the medicine to release into your body. You may not notice any changes in your behaviour straight away.

Extended release tablets and capsules

Also called XL, slow, modified or prolonged release.

Extended release tablets and capsules start to work with a first release of the medicine into the body. After that, the medicine continues to release into the body more slowly.

Dosage and strength

The dose you need depends on the type of methylphenidate you’re taking and what you’re taking it for.

Dose for standard release tablets or capsules

The usual starting dose for adults is 5mg, taken 2 or 3 times a day. For narcolepsy, you will usually take between 10mg and 60mg a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually (usually weekly) until they find the dose of methylphenidate that works best for you.

Dose for extended release capsules

The usual starting dose for adults is 10mg, taken once in the morning. Your doctor may increase the dose gradually (usually weekly) until they find the dose that works best for you.

Dose for extended release tablets

The usual starting dose for adults is 18mg, taken once in the morning. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose by 18mg at a time (usually weekly) until they find the dose that works best or you.

How to take it

How to take standard tablets or capsules

Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water, milk or squash. Do not chew them.

Standard tablets or capsules are usually taken 2 or 3 times a day – in the morning, at midday and in the late afternoon. Leave at least 4 hours between doses.

If you have problems swallowing pills, some brands of standard tablets can be crushed and added to food. For example, if you are taking Medikinet or Ritalin tablets, you can crush them and mix it with a small amount of soft food such as yogurt, honey or jam. Swallow the mixture straight away, without chewing.

How to take extended release tablets or capsules

Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water, milk or squash. Do not chew them.

Take extended release tablets and capsules in the morning.

If you’re taking the brand called Equasym XL, take it before breakfast. If you are taking Medikinet XL, take it with or after breakfast.

If you have problems swallowing capsules, some brands of methylphenidate extended release capsules can be opened up and added to a small amount of soft food, such as yogurt, honey or jam. Swallow the mixture straight away, without chewing.