What Is Jornay PM?

Jornay PM is a prescription ADHD medication that contains methylphenidate hydrochloride in a delayed-release, extended-release capsule — and it's the only stimulant you take at night.

Unlike every other methylphenidate product on the market, Jornay PM is designed to be taken in the evening. Its unique delivery system delays the release of medication for roughly 10 hours, so it kicks in when you wake up the next morning and provides symptom control throughout the day.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Brand name: Jornay PM
• Generic name: Methylphenidate hydrochloride (delayed-release, extended-release)
• Drug class: CNS stimulant
• Manufacturer: Collegium Pharmaceutical (acquired from Ironshore Therapeutics)
• FDA approved: Yes, for ADHD in patients aged 6 and older
• DEA schedule: Schedule II (CII) — high potential for abuse
• Generic available: No (patents expected to hold until 2032)

What Is Jornay PM Used For?

Jornay PM is FDA-approved for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6 years and older. This includes both children and adults.

It's particularly useful for patients who:

• Struggle with morning routines — Because the medication is already active when you wake up, it helps with the challenging transition from sleep to school or work. This is especially valuable for children who have difficulty getting ready in the morning.
• Forget to take morning medication — Evening dosing shifts the responsibility to a time when parents or patients are more likely to remember.
• Need early-morning symptom control — Traditional morning-dosed stimulants take 30-60 minutes to start working. Jornay PM is already working when you open your eyes.

While other methylphenidate formulations (like Concerta and Ritalin) are sometimes used off-label for narcolepsy, Jornay PM is specifically approved only for ADHD.

How Is Jornay PM Taken?

Jornay PM is taken once daily in the evening, between 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM (the manufacturer recommends starting at 8:00 PM).

Available Strengths

• 20 mg
• 40 mg
• 60 mg
• 80 mg
• 100 mg

The typical starting dose is 20 mg, and your doctor may increase it in 20 mg increments based on your response and tolerability, up to a maximum of 100 mg per day.

Important Dosing Instructions

• Capsules can be swallowed whole or opened and sprinkled on applesauce (helpful for children who can't swallow capsules).
• Do not crush or chew the beads inside — this would destroy the delayed-release mechanism.
• If you miss a dose, take it the same evening. If you don't remember until the next day, skip it and take your next dose the following evening.
• Consistent timing matters — try to take it at the same time each evening.

For a deeper dive into how this medication delivers its effects, see our article: How Does Jornay PM Work? Mechanism of Action Explained.

Who Should Not Take Jornay PM?

Jornay PM is not appropriate for everyone. You should not take it if you:

• Are allergic to methylphenidate or any ingredient in Jornay PM.
• Are taking or have recently taken (within 14 days) a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) — combining these can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure called a hypertensive crisis.

Use with caution if you have:

• Pre-existing heart conditions, structural heart abnormalities, or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• A history of psychiatric conditions including bipolar disorder, psychosis, or severe anxiety
• A history of seizures
• A personal or family history of substance abuse (Jornay PM is a Schedule II controlled substance with abuse potential)

Jornay PM is not recommended for children under age 6. It has not been studied in elderly patients. During pregnancy, it should be used only if the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.

For more on potential side effects, read: Jornay PM Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor.

How Much Does Jornay PM Cost?

Without insurance, Jornay PM costs between $340 and $620 per month for a 30-capsule supply, depending on the strength and pharmacy.

Because there's no generic version (and won't be until at least 2032), cost is a significant consideration. Here's what you should know:

• Insurance coverage is limited. Many commercial plans and most Medicare plans either don't cover Jornay PM or require prior authorization and step therapy (trying cheaper methylphenidate formulations first).
• Manufacturer savings card: Collegium Pharmaceutical offers a copay savings card through jornaypm.com/savings. Eligible patients with commercial insurance may pay as little as $75 per month, with up to $375 off per fill.
• Patient assistance programs: For uninsured or underinsured patients, Collegium offers patient assistance. Additional resources are available through NeedyMeds and RxAssist.

For a complete breakdown of savings strategies, see our guide: How to Save Money on Jornay PM.

Final Thoughts

Jornay PM fills a unique niche in ADHD treatment. It's the only stimulant medication designed for evening dosing, which means symptom control from the moment you wake up — something no morning-dosed medication can match. The tradeoffs are cost (no generic) and availability (not stocked everywhere), but for patients who need early-morning coverage, it can be a game-changer.

If you're ready to try Jornay PM, start by finding a prescriber: How to Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Jornay PM Near You. And if you need help locating it at a pharmacy, Medfinder can show you where it's currently in stock.