Key Points
- Ritalin is the brand name for a generic stimulant medication known as methylphenidate, available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations.
- Immediate-release Ritalin lasts between one and four hours, based on various individual factors, and extended-release Ritalin may last up to eight hours.
- Ritalin’s duration of action is based on its relatively short half-life of between two and three hours.
- The DEA has classified Ritalin and other stimulants like it as Schedule II controlled substances due to their high risk of addiction and substance misuse.
- Side effects of Ritalin may include rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, loss of appetite, and irritability.
- Hair follicle tests can detect the presence of Ritalin in a person’s system for up to 90 days.
- Signs of stimulant use disorder, or Ritalin addiction, include intense cravings for the substance, continued use despite problems in relationships, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when abstaining from the drug.
- Withdrawal effects associated with Ritalin include stimulant cravings, insomnia, increased appetite, paranoia, and suicidal thoughts.
- People who misuse Ritalin are at a higher risk of adverse effects, including a fatal overdose.
- Signs and symptoms of Ritalin overdose include dilated pupils, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and hallucinations.
- Evidence-based treatment for stimulant use disorder is available, and recovery is possible.
How Long Does Ritalin Last?
How long Ritalin lasts can vary. The most significant factor affecting the duration of use is the type of Ritalin you or your child is taking. When prescribed the immediate-release formulation of Ritalin, you can expect the effects to last between one and four hours. [1] If you’re taking the extended-release version, the effects can last twice as long. Ask your doctor which version of the drug is best for your specific symptoms and condition.
What Is Ritalin?
Ritalin is the brand name for a generic drug known as methylphenidate. It’s commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adults. Less commonly, it’s prescribed to alleviate symptoms of narcolepsy. Due to the risk of misuse and addiction, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified Ritalin as a Schedule II controlled substance. [2]
Ritalin is considered a central nervous system stimulant. This stimulant medication is available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations. The immediate-release version of the drug may start working sooner, while the extended-release lasts longer.
How Soon Does Ritalin Start Working?
Ritalin may start working within 20 to 30 minutes of taking a dose. [3] Its duration of action, or how long its effects last, can vary depending on several factors, but most importantly, whether you’re taking the immediate-release or extended-release formulation. Immediate-release Ritalin can last up to four hours, while the extended-release version may last twice as long. [4]
For individuals taking immediate-release Ritalin, peak concentrations of Ritalin typically occur two hours after administration of the dose. [5] The extended-release version peaks at two different times. The initial peak occurs between one and three hours after administration, while the second peak occurs approximately four hours after administration. [6]
Factors Affecting Ritalin Duration of Effects
Various factors can affect how long you (or your child) feel the effects of Ritalin, including:
- Overall health
- Age
- Individual metabolism
- Formulation (i.e., immediate-release versus extended release)
- Prescribed dose
How Long Does Ritalin Stay in A Person’s System?
The length of time a drug like Ritalin stays in the system can vary, but it usually depends on the substance’s half-life. The half-life of Ritalin is generally between 2 and 3 hours. [7] Based on this estimate, Ritalin may remain in the system for up to 2 days. A drug test can detect traces of Ritalin for much longer, up to 90 days in some cases.
Side Effects of Ritalin
While Ritalin is prescribed to treat symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity related to ADHD, it may be linked to some unwanted side effects as well. Some of these side effects may include: [8]
- Loss of appetite/weight loss
- Mood swings
- High blood pressure
- Irritability
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Excessive sweating
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Headache
Most of these side effects are mild and will dissipate after a few days. If they become worse or last longer than a few days, contact your healthcare provider.
Signs of Ritalin Overdose
It’s possible to overdose on Ritalin. This usually occurs when Ritalin is misused or not taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional. If you or your child is taking Ritalin for any reason, it could be essential to know the signs of an overdose: [9]
- Dilated pupils
- Vomiting
- Fast breathing
- Muscle twitching
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
- Tremor or shakiness
- Hallucinations
- Muscle pain
- Muscle weakness
- Lightheadedness
- Faintness
- Pounding in the ears or neck
- Convulsions or seizures
An overdose on Ritalin or other stimulants can be fatal. If your child or a loved one is experiencing any of the above signs as a result of stimulant use, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Safe Guidelines for Ritalin Medication Usage
Since Ritalin can be habit-forming, there are some guidelines you should follow if you or your child has been prescribed Ritalin for ADHD:
- Tell your doctor about any personal or family history of substance abuse.
- Tell your doctor about any other medications you’re taking or any health conditions you have.
- Only take Ritalin as prescribed to address ADHD symptoms. Never take more or less than the prescribed dose without consulting your doctor first.
- Never crush or split the extended-release version of Ritalin; swallow it whole.
- If you experience any unwanted side effects from Ritalin, please notify your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
- Get regular check-ups while taking Ritalin, as vital signs may need to be closely monitored during stimulant use.
- Store Ritalin in a secure area out of the reach of children.
- Keep Ritalin at room temperature.
- Children under the age of six shouldn’t be prescribed Ritalin.
- Report any signs of substance use disorder to your doctor immediately.
Signs of Ritalin Addiction
Ritalin addiction is a type of substance use disorder, a serious condition listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), According to the DSM-5, if you or your child exhibits two or more of the following symptoms, it could be indicative of a substance use disorder that requires professional treatment: [10]
- Intense cravings for Ritalin or other stimulant drugs
- Using stimulants like Ritalin in hazardous situations
- Spending a lot of time getting Ritalin or recovering from use
- Trouble meeting responsibilities at home, work, or school due to Ritalin use
- Giving up other professional or leisure activities due to the use of stimulants
- Unsuccessful attempts to stop using Ritalin or cut back on use
- Trouble controlling how much Ritalin you take or for how long
- Continuing to use Ritalin or other substances even though it’s causing problems in your life, including your relationships
- Continued use of stimulants even though it’s worsening a physical or mental health condition
- Building tolerance to Ritalin (i.e., needing more and more to achieve the same effect)
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking Ritalin for a period of time
Even a mild substance use disorder may require treatment from a rehabilitation counselor or treatment program. These disorders don’t usually improve on their own and may lead to serious adverse effects if ignored.
Withdrawal Symptoms Linked to Ritalin
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using Ritalin is a key sign of addiction. These withdrawal symptoms may include: [11]
- Trouble concentrating
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
- Fatigue
- Anxiety or irritability
- Cravings for Ritalin or other stimulants
- Increased appetite or weight gain
- Suicidal thoughts
Stimulant Addiction Treatment
If you, your child, or anyone else in your life becomes addicted to a stimulant medication like Ritalin, you’re not alone. Stimulant use disorder is an unfortunate but common condition. Many people have recovered through the use of evidence-based behavioral health treatments like rehabilitation and substance use counseling. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can get back to enjoying your life.