Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Methylphenidate is a prescription stimulant medication used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It is the active ingredient in Ritalin, Concerta, Ritalin LA, Metadate CD, Quillivant XR, Jornay PM, Cotempla XR-ODT, and Daytrana.
First approved by the FDA in 1955, methylphenidate has over 60 years of clinical data supporting its safety and efficacy. It is one of the two main classes of stimulant ADHD medications, alongside amphetamine-based drugs.
Stimulant medications are the first-line treatment for ADHD, effective in approximately 70–80% of patients. Some patients respond better to methylphenidate while others respond better to amphetamines.
Having trouble finding methylphenidate? Medfinder helps you locate pharmacies with your medication in stock.
Methylphenidate is a CNS stimulant that primarily works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine at the synapse, improving focus, attention, and impulse control.
Unlike amphetamines, methylphenidate works primarily as a reuptake inhibitor rather than a releasing agent. This is a meaningful pharmacological difference — approximately 70% of patients respond to the first stimulant they try, and switching between classes often helps non-responders.
Onset and duration depend on the formulation: IR forms begin working in 20–30 minutes and last 3–4 hours, while ER forms provide 8–12 hours of coverage.
Methylphenidate is available in many formulations:
Not all formulations are interchangeable. Always work with your prescriber when switching.
Methylphenidate is the generic name for the active ingredient in Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, and many other ADHD medications. When prescribed generically, pharmacies dispense whichever manufacturer's product they have in stock. We've assigned it a findability score of 42 out of 100, reflecting the ongoing stimulant shortage.
Both immediate-release and extended-release methylphenidate formulations are in shortage. According to ASHP, multiple manufacturers have discontinued products, report back orders, or have supply on allocation:
The DEA increased methylphenidate production quotas by up to 25% in October 2025. IR tablets are generally easier to find than ER products.
Your experience will vary by formulation. IR tablets are in better supply, while ER tablets (Concerta generics) are harder to find. Independent pharmacies often have better availability than chains.
The CDC has issued a health advisory regarding disrupted access to stimulant medications.
Medfinder can help you find methylphenidate in stock near you.
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Methylphenidate is a Schedule II controlled substance. Psychiatrists, PCPs, pediatricians, neurologists, psychiatric NPs, and PAs can all prescribe it. Telemedicine prescribing waivers are in effect through the end of 2026.
Medfinder helps you find pharmacies with availability.
Yes, all methylphenidate formulations are Schedule II controlled substances. No automatic refills, no phone-in prescriptions, early refill restrictions, DEA production quotas, and pharmacy stocking limits all apply.
Medfinder helps you find a pharmacy with stock before your doctor sends the prescription.
Side effects are similar across formulations, though ER products tend to have a smoother side effect profile.
If your specific formulation is unavailable, ask your prescriber about switching. Quillivant XR (liquid), Cotempla XR-ODT, and Jornay PM are often in better supply.
Medfinder can help you find methylphenidate near you.
Methylphenidate is one of the most well-studied ADHD medications in the world, with over 60 years of clinical use and numerous formulations. It remains a first-line treatment for both children and adults.
The ongoing shortage affects different formulations to different degrees. If your usual product is unavailable, there are many alternatives to discuss with your prescriber — some in much better supply.
Medfinder helps you find pharmacies with methylphenidate in stock. Search for availability near you.
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