Hello there!
I just got diagnosed yesterday and my doctor started me on 10mg methylphenidate 2x per day. She didn't say WHEN I should take them though.

I took my 1st pill this morning. It took about 60 minutes to kick in, I think. Then only lasted another 3 hours or so.....so 4 hours since I swallowed it I felt it stop working. I felt like I had too much coffee - a bit "speedy" as another poster phrased it. Also, just didn't feel very good, can't put my finger on it, although I've have a mild headache the whole time. I did feel more awake and possibly more concentration. Felt like my thoughts were taking turns...does that make sense? I could focus on one thing. Pay attention to a converstation, not just pretend I was listening. So...that is good.

Here is my question:
If my medication lasts for 4 hours (only works for 3ish hours) and I get to take it 2x per day - when to take it?


I would like better concentration at work (9am - 5pm)
I would like to be more motivated and less frustrated at home with my kids (5:30pm - 8:30pm)
I also would like to fall asleep between 10pm-11pm.
How can I manage the above goals with 8 hours of meds in a 12 hour day? Please, help me with a schedule.

What do I do for the time between doses when I feel that slump??

I will see my doctor in 30 days to get a medication review. Thanks SO much for your time on this.

hiya!! well its great for me to see someones point of view taking this med, as my son who is 8 takes it and im having awful trouble with a few of the things you mention.
it works well for my child when he takes it at 8am then he has another one at 12 when he comes home for lunch, the problem i find is from 4 oclock onwards he is manic whilst i suppose hes on the come down from the ritolin which means bedtimes is really hell for us and as he shares a room with his 10 yr old brother who gets really tired and needs to sleep but it creates uproar here as my son is bounching off the walls whilst his brother is trying to get to sleep, the past few nights have been really bad and i feel for my other son badly, any suggestions would be very gratefully recieved!!! i do know my dr said there is something they can give at bedtime to help this but i have a few weeks til the next app but i shall bring it up, does anyone know what this thing is they give at bedtime?? many thanks!!

Sounds like you should talk to your doctor, you may need to switch meds.

Emily..I found I had the *yuk* feeling when I started Riltalin. I found it doesn't last any more than 2 - 3 hours..and yet the clarity somewhere in the middle of that time is excellent.
I now mix it with Dex, and that helps reduce the *yuk* feeling..and I get the benefits both meds offer

I usually go by this time line..

mon-friday!
7.30am, 11am, 2.30 -3pm... 2 x 10mg Rit + 3 x 5 mg dex

weekends..who can tell :-)

If you can figure out when the yuk feeling usually starts, try taking the next dose abour 15 minutes earlier :-) that helps

that "yuk" feeling is probably just the ritalin wearing of. It only works 2 hours for most people, and it wears of verry abruptly. I think it kinda sucks, a med only working for 2 hours, thats just crappy

Sorry, I can't read it right now but if I say I'll read it later I won't. I read the first line and...WTH?! She HAS to tell you on what hour. I started with 15 mg one in the morning and one with lunch.

Sorry, I can't read it right now but if I say I'll read it later I won't. I read the first line and...WTH?! She HAS to tell you on what hour. I started with 15 mg one in the morning and one with lunch.

I'd expect that she didn't tell her a time for the simple fact that it was unknown how she would respond to the medication. There isn't any way to determine that for any patient ahead of time, not yet anyway, that I know of.


It is necessary for the patient to determine how long the medication is effective and adjust the doses to cover the amount of time they wish to have symptoms reduced.

Hello there!
I just got diagnosed yesterday and my doctor started me on 10mg methylphenidate 2x per day. She didn't say WHEN I should take them though.

I took my 1st pill this morning. It took about 60 minutes to kick in, I think. Then only lasted another 3 hours or so.....so 4 hours since I swallowed it I felt it stop working. I felt like I had too much coffee - a bit "speedy" as another poster phrased it. Also, just didn't feel very good, can't put my finger on it, although I've have a mild headache the whole time. I did feel more awake and possibly more concentration. Felt like my thoughts were taking turns...does that make sense? I could focus on one thing. Pay attention to a converstation, not just pretend I was listening. So...that is good.

Here is my question:
If my medication lasts for 4 hours (only works for 3ish hours) and I get to take it 2x per day - when to take it?

I would like better concentration at work (9am - 5pm)
I would like to be more motivated and less frustrated at home with my kids (5:30pm - 8:30pm)
I also would like to fall asleep between 10pm-11pm.How can I manage the above goals with 8 hours of meds in a 12 hour day? Please, help me with a schedule.

What do I do for the time between doses when I feel that slump??

I will see my doctor in 30 days to get a medication review. Thanks SO much for your time on this.

You can't cover 12 hours with 2x10mg. It's as simple as that. You need at least 3 or 4. Another option is Ritalin LA or Concerta.


In your case right now. You can take one in the morning and work through it. Then after lunch take your second one. Some people say that coffee makes their Ritalin work longer. It doesn't do that for me, but you can always try. (Be careful to avoid overstimulation though ;) )

Btw, you mentioned feeling "speedy" after 4 hours. This is exactly what rebound does to me as well. It can also cause emotional downs, feelings of guilt or worthlessness. It's important that you know that this is rebound otherwise you might think that these feelings are valid and that would only worsen things.