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Ritalin Strengths

Ritalin is a form of methylphenidate, a stimulant drug used to treat attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The prescription is available in a number of forms and strengths, encompassing instant-release as well as timed-release formulas. Ritalin's strengths and dosages vary slightly between the different formula types, but dosage amounts are about the same.

  1. Ritalin Strengths

    • The generic, or base version of Ritalin uses an instant-release formula that releases the drug to your brain's receptors relatively immediately after taking a dose. This version is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and 20 mg strength levels. Patients are typically introduced to the prescription at the lowest dose to see how they initially react and if it is effective. From there doctors will typically increase the dosage as needed.

    Ritalin L.A.

    • Ritalin L.A., also known as Ritalin S.R., is available in 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg and 40 mg strengths. This version of Ritalin is the timed-release formula, which uses a pill capsule that's filled with small beads. The beads are a 50-50 mixture where half of them contain half the dose of immediate-release Ritalin and the other half is specially coated beads that take longer to metabolize. The goal for Ritalin L.A. is to initially provide the patient with a small amount of instant relief and sustain it for an extended period.

    Ritalin Background

    • The pill strengths have slightly evolved since the drug's initial conception in the 1950s. It was not until the early 1980s, however, that ADD and ADHD were officially recognized as diseases by the National Institute of Mental Health. At this time, the Novartis pharmaceutical company began mass producing Ritalin as a therapeutic aid for patients, particularly children, who were diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. The company faced several lawsuits for severe side effects as the drug matured in the market, thus prompting them to adjust and widen the spectrum of Ritalin strengths and formulas.

    Known Side Effects

    • Consuming Ritalin can sometimes lead to side effects depending on the strength and the patient's overall health. The known side effects include difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, weight reduction due to appetite loss, headaches, dry mouth, irritability, depression and nausea. The severity of these side effects have a direct relationship with increases in strengths. Be sure to consult your physician before taking a Ritalin.

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