Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)

What the word means

Methylphenidate is the drug. Ritalin and Concerta are both brands of it, which surprises people, since the two names sound like different medications entirely. They’re the same drug in different delivery systems, one short-acting and one long-acting.

It’s a stimulant, and it’s the other main stimulant family alongside amphetamine. Neither family is stronger than the other in any simple sense. Individual response varies enough that trying one and then the other is a normal part of finding what works.

It’s a controlled substance, with the refill friction that implies.

Where to read the full guide

Shrinktionary handles the word.

Read the full methylphenidate guide at PsychiatryRx, which covers the different formulations, side effects, and how it compares with amphetamine.

Related terms you’ll see next

• Stimulant
• ADHD
• Amphetamine
• Controlled substance

When to seek professional care

Tell your prescriber about appetite loss, trouble sleeping, a racing heart, or rising blood pressure. If one stimulant family isn’t working or the side effects are intolerable, that’s worth reporting rather than giving up on treatment, because the other family is a genuinely different experience for many people. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, get help right away by calling 911, or call or text 988 in the US to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta):</strong> Methylphenidate is a stimulant medication for ADHD, sold as Ritalin and Concerta. It's the other main stimulant family alongside amphetamine.</p>
  <p>&mdash; <a href="https://shrinktionary.com/terms/methylphenidate/">Shrinktionary</a>, a plain-English mental health dictionary, medically reviewed by a board certified psychiatrist.</p>
</blockquote>