Ritalin is a medication prescribed for individuals (usually children) who have an abnormally high level of activity or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If you have ADHD and take Ritalin, it's important that you follow your doctor's instructions for when to take it and how much of it to take. This is because Ritalin can be really dangerous if you take too much (or if you're not supposed to be taking it at all!). Sometimes, some kids who take Ritalin and have ADHD will get a few side effects like feeling less hungry or not being able to go to sleep as easily. Tell your parent if these things are happening from the Ritalin you're taking
Dosage
Dosage should be individualized according to the needs and responses of the patient.
Children (6 years and over):
Ritalin tablets:
Should be initiated in small doses, (e.g. 5 to 10 mg 3 times daily) with weekly increments of 5 to 10 mg in the daily dosage. Dosage should be individualized on the basis of factors such as age, body weight and individual response. Timing of drug administration should be aimed to coincide with periods of greatest academic, behavioral and social difficulties for the patient.
Daily dosage above 60 mg is not recommended.
If improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage adjustments over a 1 month period, the drug should be discontinued.
Ritalin SR (extended-release) tablets:
Ritalin SR tablets have a duration of action of approximately 8 hours. Therefore, they may be used in place of Ritalin tablets when the 8 hour dosage of Ritalin SR corresponds to the titrated 8 hour dosage of Ritalin. Ritalin SR tablets must be swallowed whole and never be crushed or chewed.
If paradoxical aggravation of symptoms or other adverse effects occur, reduce dosage, or if necessary, discontinue the drug.
Ritalin should be periodically discontinued to assess the child's condition. Improvement may be sustained when the drug is either temporarily or permanently discontinued.
Drug treatment should not and need not be indefinite and usually may be discontinued after puberty.
Adults:
Ritalin tablets:
Administer in divided doses 2 or 3 times daily, preferably 30 to 40 minutes before meals. Average daily dosage is 20 to 30 mg. Some patients may require 40 to 60 mg daily. In others, 10 to 15 mg daily will be adequate. Patients who are unable to sleep if medication is taken late in the day, should take the last dose before 6 p.m.
Ritalin SR (extended-release) tablets:
SR tablets have a duration of action of approximately 8 hours. Therefore, they may be used in place of Ritalin tablets when the 8 hour dosage of Ritalin SR corresponds to the titrated 8 hour dosage of Ritalin. Ritalin SR tablets must be swallowed whole and never be crushed or chewed.
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