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Short-Acting Methylphenidate Use Schedule for ADHD
A 14-day starting schedule for people beginning methylphenidate treatment
This schedule is only for short-acting methylphenidate 10 mg tablets
For extended-release methylphenidate formulations (20/30/40 mg extended-release capsules and XR/OROS extended-release formulations), this schedule does not apply — these are taken once daily. If the box you have says "LA", "XR", or "extended-release", do not follow this page; ask your doctor.
What is this schedule for?
This schedule is designed to help you remember the dosing instructions if your doctor has recommended and prescribed short-acting methylphenidate in this way. If your doctor has recommended a different dosing regimen, always follow their instructions.
Have your heart assessed before starting
Regardless of your age, your blood pressure and pulse should be measured before you start the medication, and your personal and family cardiac history should be reviewed. A cardiology assessment is required at any age if any of the following applies: a family history of sudden cardiac death before age 40, known structural heart disease, fainting or chest pain during exertion, or unexplained palpitations.
Stop if you experience an unexpected side effect
If you experience an unexpected or unusual side effect while taking the medication, stop taking it and contact your doctor.
WEEK 1 — Days 1-7
Each dose is 1 short-acting methylphenidate 10 mg tablet. Empty box = no medication at that time. Day 7 is a medication break.
| DAY | Morning 09:00 | At 11:00 * | At 13:00 * | At 15:00 * | Total daily dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 1 tablet | — | — | — | 10 mg |
| Day 2 | 1 tablet | — | — | — | 10 mg |
| Day 3 | 1 tablet | — | — | — | 10 mg |
| Day 4 | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | — | — | 20 mg |
| Day 5 | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | — | — | 20 mg |
| Day 6 | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | — | — | 20 mg |
| Day 7 · ☕ MEDICATION BREAK | |||||
WEEK 2 — Days 8-14
The number of daily doses increases gradually. Each dose is 1 short-acting methylphenidate 10 mg tablet. Day 14 is a medication break.
| DAY | Morning 09:00 | At 11:00 * | At 13:00 * | At 15:00 * | Total daily dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 8 | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | — | 30 mg |
| Day 9 | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | — | 30 mg |
| Day 10 | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | — | 30 mg |
| Day 11 | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | 40 mg |
| Day 12 | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | 40 mg |
| Day 13 | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | 40 mg |
| Day 14 · ☕ MEDICATION BREAK | |||||
⭐ What does the asterisk (*) mean? — Adjust the times to suit you
The * symbol next to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th doses means that the dose should be "taken when the medication's effect has worn off". This schedule assumes that the medication's effect lasts approximately 2 hours; this is why the second dose on day 4 is listed as 11:00.
Example
The duration of the medication's effect may be different for you. For example, if the effect wears off after 3 hours, shift the times accordingly: 09:00 in the morning → 1st dose, 12:00 → 2nd dose, and so on. In this case, you would also need to take the 3rd dose (on day 8 of the schedule) at 15:00. In short: if you know from previous use how long the medication's effect lasts for you, adjust the times in the schedule accordingly.
🕔 The last-dose rule
Plan your last dose so that the medication's noticeable effect wears off by 17:00 at the latest. This is important to avoid disrupting your sleep at night.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alişan Burak Yaşar · Psychiatrist · alisanburak.com
Last updated:
This schedule applies only if your doctor has prescribed the medication this way for you. Do not change your dose on your own.
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