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Methylphenidate User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

Brand names: Concerta, Ritalin, Jornay PM, Ritalin LA, Daytrana, Quillivant XR, QuilliChew ER, Metadate CD, Cotempla XR-ODT, Aptensio XR, Methylin, Relexxii Methylin ER …show all brand names

Methylphenidate has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 from a total of 1,082 reviews on Drugs.com. 61% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 17% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Methylphenidate

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • neb...
  • April 1, 2008

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I'm 20, I have been on Concerta for 3 years. Before, I was on everything else, every other medication was an emotional rollercoaster ride, and I was very angry. Now, 5 years later, I'm the happiest, most confident person. I graduated college with honors and lead an 'out of trouble' life!! THANKS CONCERTA!"

10 / 10
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  • Jen...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 4, 2021

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I've been on Concerta for a few weeks now, I was just recently diagnosed with ADHD, and it's my first medication. I am a 15-year-old female. I started with 18 mg but didn't feel any difference. It only decreased my appetite (I lost about 5 lbs a week) to the point where I became underweight. My doctor recently upped my dose to 36 mg, and I feel worse than before. I've been having a hard time falling asleep and have slept very restlessly. I am still losing weight. I've also noticed that I feel more moody and impulsive, and I have been hyper-fixating more and lashing out at my family. I have a doctor's appointment next week where I hope to switch medications."

3 / 10
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  • Lor...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 18, 2023

Methylphenidate for ADHD "Ultra smooth, gradual onset and end. Nice how it works like an alarm clock pill, waking you up in the morning. If you respond well to methylphenidate, it might be a good fit to ask your doctor about. The mechanism of action makes it safer and less likely to be abused."

10 / 10
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18 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • dnb...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 4, 2019

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I started taking Concerta about 6 months ago. The first month after being diagnosed with ADD, I was on Ritalin, then switched over to Concerta. I’m on the 72 mg of Concerta, and it really has changed my life. I failed two classes in college before I started medication, and now I am doing really well in school. It really helps me focus in general as well. I’ve lost 70 pounds since I started taking medicine for my ADD, so I’m currently 140. This medicine destroys my appetite until it wears off, so I usually only eat at night. It also has messed with my sleep, so I make sure to take it by 9 in the morning so that it will wear off by like 10 at night. Whenever the medicine wears off, I become super unproductive, but I’m not sure if that’s how I am without it or if it’s just worse when the medicine wears off. I really recommend Concerta, it really has helped me so much."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • October 4, 2018

Methylphenidate for ADHD "My brother was prescribed Concerta two years ago, and I feel the need to share his story so everyone knows how helpful this drug is for people suffering from ADHD. He is taking it and Strattera both for his condition, and the Strattera worked well for a long time, but when he was prescribed Concerta in addition to this to further help with his symptoms, it was just amazing. His breakdowns and tantrums decreased in number, he started doing his chores and homework again, and he started doing random little things to help other people out. This medication is a controlled substance, so it's harder for him to get than his other medicine-he has to have an appointment with a specialist every two months to stay on it, though I don't think it's that way for everyone. He was born addicted to the painkillers my mother was on, as he was seven weeks early, and therefore has a higher chance to become addicted to substances in the future, but this does not seem to be a problem so far with Concerta."

10 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 31, 2018

Methylphenidate for ADHD "This drug has been nothing but a miracle for me. After years of suffering with concentration/attention problems and a string of failures, this drug has allowed me to achieve what I want and excel in my academics and life. I take 20 - 30 mg/day, 3 - 5 days a week, with regular drug holidays. If you have ADHD and are suffering because of it, with a history of failures in your life, you won't regret getting treatment."

9 / 10
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  • sam...
  • March 12, 2016

For Depression "It has changed my life. I have been more active and focused on my goals. I am taking 70 mg of it a day. None of the ordinary antidepressants have helped me to overcome my depression. I have had a problem with substance abuse. So, my dopamine level was so low since then."

10 / 10
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More FAQ

  • mam...
  • December 6, 2013

Methylphenidate for ADHD "My daughter was finally diagnosed with ADHD Inattentive-type at age 16 after a lot of stress regarding high school academics and feeling 'dumb.' Concerta has been nothing short of a miracle for her. She finally ended up on the 54mg dosage and does very well. The only side effect she has had is loss of appetite which she now knows to eat a healthy/big breakfast before her medication in the morning. She then eats a normal dinner. She has occasionally had insomnia if she takes her medication later in the morning or if she has accidentally had caffeine. Overall, she is in a good groove with this medication and her SAT score went from 1600 to 2000 after medication and a prep course; GPA from 3.3 to 3.9."

9 / 10
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  • And...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 21, 2019

For Depression "I was diagnosed with ADHD in my 30s, as well as potential narcolepsy. I was prescribed methylphenidate extended release, and it has helped me with more than ADHD. I have had anxiety and depression since my early teens. When I take methylphenidate, I feel very calm. It has helped decrease anxiety and stress. I don’t feel overwhelmed and depressed. This is in addition to it helping my ADHD. Absolutely no crash on the extended release. I don’t even know I’m on it, other than I’m more relaxed. I would definitely recommend someone trying this medication for anxiety and depression. It has changed my life."

9 / 10
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  • Moo...
  • November 15, 2013

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I'm a 15-year-old girl who started off with Vyvanse for a year but became anorexic. I switched to Concerta! The first couple of years, I felt so amazing because I have never experienced what it felt like to succeed after trying so much. Then I got to High School. My meds ended a relationship. I was always paranoid and extremely nervous. I am like a robot now. I'm either extremely emotionless, really mad, or really paranoid. My friends tell me that it's like talking to a stranger. I get frustrated so easily and don't care about anyone or anything around me. I don't want to be taken off my meds because I'm really successful. But should I really have to choose between my loved ones and school? I shouldn't have to pick."

8 / 10
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  • wil...
  • April 11, 2014

Methylphenidate for ADHD "My experience with Concerta has been amazing. I am 12 and this has helped me deal with bullying, anger issues, and lack of focus. I have learned that just because you are ADHD does not mean you can't have a normal life. I recommend this to anybody who is ashamed by their weight, has trouble focusing, and has anxiety issues but make sure to eat regularly because Concerta makes it so you don't know if you are hungry or not."

10 / 10
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  • MMz...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 8, 2024

Methylphenidate for ADHD "My 15-year-old has been on Jornay for over a year, and it is truly amazing. He has been under all kinds of the usual ADHD medications, and for years, we could never find the one that helped the most until now. He wakes up refreshed and motivated. It definitely changed him for the better. Grades are perfect, and the fact that he hasn't lost/gained weight or lost sleep on medications anymore is a big plus! I'm hoping our insurance keeps approving this medication because I don't know how he will manage on anything else!"

10 / 10
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  • Pet...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • May 13, 2017

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I was late being diagnosed with ADHD (late 40s). I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1992, but I never felt this was the correct diagnosis as my meds never helped me with all the different thoughts going on in my head. As soon as I started Concerta, I felt more relaxed, my concentration improved greatly, and I could sleep peacefully without any benzodiazepines. I am currently (for over 4 years) on a dose of 72 mg, it still is as effective as when I started, and luckily I haven't had any of the listed side effects. I think if anybody feels they have ADHD, they should seek psychiatric help to do the relevant tests."

9 / 10
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  • Lfr...
  • January 8, 2015

For Depression "I have suffered with major depression for some 20 years, and took nearly all other antidepressants out there. Started taking 20mg methylphenidate CR daily plus 10-20mg Ritalin in the afternoon and never felt better. Still can't work, and have a few side effects, but all in all things have improved."

9 / 10
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75 Report
  • Ano...
  • January 8, 2014

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I've been on Concerta since I was about 13 (I'm 22 now). When I first started the medication, I experienced a fair amount of weight loss. Overall, Concerta has truly changed my life and made me a more focused student. Since I've been on it for so long, I have learned to manage side effects but some that have been ongoing are: upset stomach right after taking the medication (due to the stimulant effects and lack of food), slight headaches, jitters, binging when the medication wears off, and occasional paranoia. When first beginning the medication, remember to force yourself to have some caloric intake even if it is just a smoothie. This has been life-changing, but please remember to balance out your diet."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 9, 2012

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I'm 28 yrs old and just started taking this 2 months ago. I abused meds in my teens & for the past 6 yrs have turned down prescriptions for fear of addiction & losing my personality and control. I gave Ritalin a shot at 10mg 2/day, 5 days/week none on weekends. I wish my parents would have taken me to a doctor to get checked out about 20 years ago. In 2 months I have been able to focus and concentrate on things like never before. I went from being an average student and poor test taker to above average and testing well. I don't snap at people as much as I did prior to taking. And still feel in control of who I am. The downside is I had to cut back on my coffee consumption. It's a good cause!"

9 / 10
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  • Nor...
  • April 6, 2014

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I have been dealing with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) all of my life. At 50 years old, I was diagnosed with ADD. I had suspected it for some time and began taking 28 mg of Concerta each day. After approximately 2 months, I went to a lower dose of 18 mg per day. It has had a positive effect in that it is much easier to stay on task, my ability to concentrate has been significantly increased. In describing its effect, it seems that my mind has slowed down. The side effects have been minimal - a little lightheaded at times. I do not take it every day, sometimes, I usually use it Monday to Friday."

9 / 10
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  • Pet...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • July 18, 2015

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I was initially diagnosed with ADHD-combined hyperactive and impulsive when I was 16. Up until that point, I struggled with my attention issues and excessive energy, and it became increasingly difficult to cope with the symptoms as I got older. My doctor prescribed me Concerta 54 mg once a day. I immediately noticed significant improvements. I was able to think more clearly and communicate coherently. At the same time, I noticed that I had a better ability to control my attention and remain focused over a more prolonged period of time. My grades improved, and my relationship with friends and family became much better. I'm now 26 and still taking the medication. The therapeutic effects are still evident."

10 / 10
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71 Report
  • Mia...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 17, 2023

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I am taking it because Adderall XR is not available due to shortages. At first, they tried Vyvanse, but I had severe heartburn, and my appetite went crazy. The Jornay is a lot like the Adderall, it just works. My only issue is I am not used to taking it at night, but it does seem to work when I wake up quicker than Adderall. It also doesn't taper off so quickly."

9 / 10
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  • Cad...
  • January 5, 2017

Methylphenidate for ADHD "Concerta has helped me tremendously in school. My grades skyrocketed after only one semester of use. The first day, when I was on 18 mg, I could already feel the effect. Now, I only take Concerta (27 mg) on school days and other days which I know are going to be exhausting. Even on the days I don't take it, I feel happier than before. Concerta gives me motivation so I can actually live, which makes my motivation stick around. I can now socialize without feeling like my energy has been sucked out of me after one conversation. I can now do my homework and chores. I do things in my free time, instead of crashing in bed after a day of school. Though my appetite changed, and I lost a lot of weight, I have a lot to thank Concerta for."

7 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • March 14, 2015

Methylphenidate for ADHD "Concerta helped me so much. Before Concerta, I dreaded doing school work or even regular household chores. While on it, I want to do my homework and chores. It makes me 200x more focused overall, which means more learning and better grades. I went from C's and F's to A's and some B's"

10 / 10
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  • Cyc...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 26, 2019

For Depression "Methylphenidate didn't cure my depression; I'm still depressed. But it removes the impact of depression on my everyday life. I'm more confident, outgoing, and am able to get engaged in everyday activities. SSRIs have no positive effects for me. I think Ritalin is as good as it's going to get. It may help keep you engaged if you've got lots of responsibilities, allowing time to work through things without becoming unengaged in life."

9 / 10
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48 Report
  • Ano...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 23, 2016

For Depression "I've been taking this for exactly 7 months. It helps a lot! During the first month, I had side effects. It's the best antidepressant I've tried. I take 10 mg twice per day. Occasionally, I take a day off."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 17, 2013

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I'm 18 years old and have been on 18mg of Concerta for just under a year now. In the beginning, I loved it - was able to focus and was very productive with everything. Positives: my grades and work ethic excelled, accomplished a lot, confidence raised. But, it may have just been me, but after being on Concerta, I became very antisocial (the complete opposite of myself) and basically got lost in my head. I also suffer from depression and severe seasonal affective disorder, and my first winter taking the Concerta was a horrible experience. The important thing to remember with this medicine is that it is not what is making you 'smarter' or more accomplished, it is merely helping you to do these things without your ADHD holding you back."

8 / 10
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  • Pen...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 5, 2019

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I started Concerta in August after Vyvanse gave me bad side effects. I began at 36 mg and now I take 54 mg. Being on this has helped me so much with classwork and anxiety, I no longer have anxiety spirals like before! I’m actually interested in my uni classes, and I’m getting better grades. The best part of Concerta is that it stops my obsessive anxiety. I can control my thoughts now, this is something I was never capable of in the past. It gives me a sense of mental relaxation that I’ve never had, and it’s life-changing. I feel on edge, kind of jumpy, and alert, but no uncontrollable anxiety like before. At first, I had some weird side effects, like tics, shakiness, lack of appetite, and peripheral hallucinations, but these side effects are so worth not having the terrible anxiety like I used to. Concerta helps me feel more sure of myself because I’m not spacing out on information or having anxiety attacks. I feel more confident and capable. It’s wonderful!"

9 / 10
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