Take Ritalin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take Ritalin in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of methylphenidate. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.
Ritalin may be habit-forming. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
To prevent sleep problems, take this medicine in the morning.
Ritalin tablets and Ritalin SR tablets should be taken at least 30 to 45 minutes before a meal. Extended-release Ritalin LA capsules can be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your medicine label.
Do not crush, chew, or break a sustained-release tablet. Swallow the tablet whole. Breaking the tablet may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
To make swallowing easier, you may open the Ritalin LA capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of pudding or applesauce. Swallow right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use.
While using Ritalin, your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Ritalin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep track of your medicine. Methylphenidate is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.
 Detailed Ritalin dosage information
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is later than 6:00 p.m. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of methylphenidate could be fatal.
