Methylphenidate immediate-release tablets

ADHD in children (aged 6+), young people and adults. Used during initial titration to establish the right dose, as a short-acting top-up alongside modified-release preparations, or as standalone treatment when flexible dosing is preferred.

Methylphenidate blocks the reuptake of dopamine and noradrenaline in the prefrontal cortex, increasing the concentration of these neurotransmitters at the synapse. In ADHD, the prefrontal cortex is underactive - it doesn’t produce enough dopamine to maintain attention and inhibit impulses. Methylphenidate corrects this deficit. It’s not a sedative and it’s not calming you down - it’s bringing an underperforming part of your brain up to normal function.

Children from 6 years, young people and adults diagnosed with ADHD by a specialist. Baseline cardiovascular assessment (blood pressure, heart rate) required before starting. Caution in anxiety disorders (can worsen anxiety), tic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and history of substance misuse. Not suitable in uncontrolled hypertension, severe cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, or pheochromocytoma.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door. Controlled drugs require additional clinical checks. We may need to contact you or your GP before dispensing.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives tomorrow - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Methylphenidate IR from £20.99 per pack.

Very common: decreased appetite, insomnia, headache, dry mouth, nausea. Common: palpitations, tachycardia, weight loss, abdominal pain, mood changes (anxiety, irritability), tremor. Uncommon: psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, paranoia). Monitor: growth (in children), cardiovascular parameters, psychiatric symptoms.

Do not use in severe cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, hyperthyroidism, phaeochromocytoma, during or within 14 days of MAOIs. Use with caution in anxiety, psychosis, tics, seizure disorders, substance misuse history.

MAOIs: contraindicated (hypertensive crisis). Antihypertensives: stimulants may reduce their effect. SSRIs: caution with serotonergic effects. Alcohol: avoid.

Limited data in pregnancy. Stimulants may affect fetal growth. Use only if benefit clearly outweighs risk. Discuss with specialist before conception. Not recommended during breastfeeding.

Take with or after food (reduces appetite suppression and stomach upset). Duration 3-4 hours - typically taken at breakfast, lunchtime and sometimes mid-afternoon. The lunchtime dose means children often need to take medication at school, which is one reason most patients prefer long-acting formulations. Appetite suppression is the most common side effect - take with meals and consider a larger evening meal. Schedule 2 controlled drug. Maximum 30-day supply per prescription.