Skip to main content

Methylphenidate User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

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

Methylphenidate has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 from a total of 1,045 reviews on Drugs.com. 61% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 17% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Methylphenidate

  • Crit
  • December 13, 2012

Ritalin (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I have been on Ritalin for 5 months now and it works great for my ADHD. I wish I would have been on it when I was in high school, maybe I would have finished high school. I am 25 years old and I'm going for my G.E.D. so I can go to college. I am so happy now, I can concentrate and do things that I was never able to do. The only con is that it is not lasting as long as it did when I first got on it. I really believe Ritalin saved my life."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
97 Report
  • Cano
  • September 14, 2019

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "Concerta is by far better than other ADHD meds, such as Adderall, in my experience. It is milder and much better at helping where it needs to and doesn't make me feel sick like Adderall did. I recommend this for all of you who have anxiety. Adderall made my anxiety worse on it. Concerta helped me feel less anxious because I have ADD and anxiety, this helped so much."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
50 Report
  • Moona
  • November 15, 2013

Concerta (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
Was this helpful?YesNo
89 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • mouse...
  • August 9, 2013

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "Before Concerta I was labeled disruptive; unintelligent, impulsive, poor concentration etc. The worst part was that no matter how hard I tried, I always messed up, and it was never on purpose. I am often described as having 'no-filter' between my head and mouth. Now, with Concerta, I am able to 'filter' information correctly. I have control with what I say, and I can concentrate when I need to. This is, however, no miracle - I have bad days. Like anyone, my cognition suffers if I haven't had enough sleep, etc. Concerta only gives one control of their actions and organizes things in your head a bit better - something I had been long without. Please consider the facts provided by health professionals."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
91 Report
  • Oldish...
  • March 1, 2020

Ritalin (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I'm 56 year old male. 87kg. Recently diagnosed ADHD as Im easily distracted & can't concentrate easily. I'm in good health, and successful & don't get depressed. Unfortunately Ritalin has NO effect on me at all. I have no feeling of it coming on or wearing off. All I get is a dry mouth at higher doses. I began fast release 10mg @ 8am & 10mg @ 1pm. The upped to 20mg am & 20 mg pm. Then 30 & 30. Nothing. No affect or change in how I feel. Then tried Slow release SR 40 mg am & 40mg arvo. Still nothing. Then tried 20mg Fast with 40mg SR in morning. But was distracted on phone & mistakenly took same dose 15 min later. So 120mg in one hit. I expected to have heart racing & some sort of 'buzz', but NOTHING Very disappointing Would like to try Adderall or similar"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
46 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Anonymous
  • October 4, 2018

Concerta (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."

Was this helpful?YesNo
56 Report
  • willlk
  • April 11, 2014

Concerta (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
Was this helpful?YesNo
85 Report

More FAQ

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

Concerta (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
Was this helpful?YesNo
51 Report
  • samboy
  • 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
Was this helpful?YesNo
72 Report
  • Anony...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 31, 2018

Ritalin (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
Was this helpful?YesNo
57 Report
  • nebra...
  • April 1, 2008

Concerta (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
Was this helpful?YesNo
117 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 7, 2016

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I have been taking this for 10 years (started at 18 mg, went up to 36 mg). Recently (several months ago), I developed several horrible side effects. For example, it made me feel nervous. I could not keep still. It also made me extra irritable (to the point I was yelling at my friends for the littlest things). I also felt depressed (to the point I did not want to get out of bed at all) and could not sleep. The doctor brought me down to 18 mg, symptoms did not improve. I immediately stopped taking this and felt 100% better the next day. The doctor put me on Adderall XR, which works a lot better with very little side effects. Please avoid Concerta if possible."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
72 Report
  • Peter
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • May 13, 2017

Concerta (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
Was this helpful?YesNo
63 Report
  • mamae...
  • December 6, 2013

Concerta (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
Was this helpful?YesNo
84 Report
  • Rey
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 10, 2019

Ritalin (methylphenidate) for ADHD "(18 M) I recently got diagnosed with ADD and was given ritalin. 5mg per day as a start up dose. I have dabbled with other drugs in the past, like cannabis, LSD, mushrooms and morphine. I took ritalin for two days before deciding to quit. Never in my entire life have I ever felt this level of addiction, nor have I ever crashed this bad on any drug. I have suffered with severe depression, OCD and anxiety for some years. The crash gave me a rebound to my past psychosis."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
46 Report
  • Whats...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 27, 2014

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "My 13-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter both have been diagnosed with ADHD. I, nor my husband, could wrap our minds around our kids taking medicine, but were forced to give it a try. My son started taking Concerta when he was in 4th grade, and my daughter started taking Vyvanse in the 3rd grade. The results were amazing! Their handwriting went from sloppy to super neat, reading skills increased, grades were mostly A's... and many more great results! The bad part about the pills is that they have so many side effects that were making them seem like totally different people! They were skinny, depressed, had insomnia, headaches, twitching, and were angry. We withdrew both from public school and started homeschool. Now learning at our own pace!"

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
81 Report
  • DblO
  • April 27, 2010

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I am 36 and was diagnosed with ADD shortly after my youngest son was diagnosed with ADHD. I take 36mg Concerta, and it has changed my life and saved my career. Looking back, I should have been diagnosed as a child, but my intellect got me through college, the military, and life in general thus far. Had I been treated as a child, life would have been a lot easier. However, my struggles have made me who I am. I recently began a new position at work, and it is extremely challenging. I need to be exceptionally focused and organized. I was drowning and getting depressed about my lack of success until I started taking the Concerta. 2 months later, I have been promoted and able to handle a larger workload... HOWEVER, my son developed severe tics."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
101 Report
  • Anony...
  • January 8, 2014

Concerta (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
Was this helpful?YesNo
80 Report
  • Anony...
  • November 12, 2013

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I would recommend this medication ONLY if you are 100% positive you need medication, by that I mean teachers and family recognizing the issue. My mom finally decided to give me Concerta during early middle school after my teachers advised it for a few years. I recommend beginning with 9 mg and slowly going up if needed. This medication is horrible in my life in the sense that I feel like I need it to do good in school, especially now I'm in college. But it causes me to be incredibly depressed. I continue to take it because grades are first, but for kids I recommend keeping a very close eye on them and follow up on depression issues because as a kid in middle school, it was horrible."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
81 Report
  • Penel...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 5, 2019

Concerta (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
Was this helpful?YesNo
44 Report
  • Cader
  • January 5, 2017

Concerta (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
Was this helpful?YesNo
62 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 9, 2012

Ritalin (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
Was this helpful?YesNo
86 Report
  • Lfred
  • 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
Was this helpful?YesNo
73 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 14, 2015

Concerta (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
Was this helpful?YesNo
72 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 17, 2013

Concerta (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
Was this helpful?YesNo
82 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.