Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEffectsDurationDetection FactorsElimination From SystemOverdoseGetting Help for Misuse
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Effects
Duration
Detection Factors
Elimination From System
Overdose
Getting Help for Misuse
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a medication used as atreatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD). It is also sometimes prescribed for narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime drowsiness and sudden bouts of sleep. Knowing how long Ritalin lasts helps you better understand its potential effects, as well as whether it may show up in specific tests.
Ritalin will not show up on a standard 5-panel drug test.However, it may show up on broader drug screens. Several factors contribute to whether it will appear—and for how long—including whether the drug is being misused.
How Long Does Ritalin Stay In Your System?Urine:One to two daysBlood:Around 12 hoursSaliva:One to two daysHair: Up to 90 days
How Long Does Ritalin Stay In Your System?
Urine:One to two daysBlood:Around 12 hoursSaliva:One to two daysHair: Up to 90 days
How Long Does It Take to Feel Ritalin’s Effects?
Ritalin begins to have an effect within 20 to 30 minutes after taking the medication. These effects last three to five hours for the short-acting formulation and around eight hours for the long-acting formulation.
The effects of Ritalin can include:
Potential Side Effects
Some people experience side effects when taking Ritalin. Two of the most common are feelings of nervousness and trouble sleeping, with additional potential Ritalin side effects including:
In rare cases, patients have reported severe side effects after taking Ritalin, such as developing Tourette’s syndrome, abnormal liver function, and aggressive behavior. Even rarer is the development of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS),a life-threateningextrapyramidal side effectwith symptoms such as high fever, sweating, and unstable blood pressure.
If you experience a serious or life-threatening side effect after taking Ritalin, call911or seek immediate medical attention.
Ritalin Misuse
Ritalin is a medication that people sometimes misuse, with the misuse of this drug tending to be higher among college students.If they don’t have a prescription, individuals may ask people who are prescribed Ritalin for their pills, or even steal or lie to get the drug.
Signs of Ritalin misuse include:
If you suspect that someone you know is misusing Ritalin, their healthcare provider can help address the issue in an effective, therapeutic way.
Ritalin can also be habit-forming.People taking this drug may develop a tolerance over time, making it less effective than it was at first. As a result, they may be tempted to take larger dosages to achieve the same effects. This can increase the risk ofRitalin dependence.
How Long Does Ritalin Last?
Ritalin has amedication half-lifeof somewhere between one and four hours. However, research has found that its elimination from the body can vary greatly from one person to the next.
In some people, almost all of the drug is eliminated from the body within two days. For others, just under a quarter of the drug might remain in their system two days after taking it.
While Ritalin might be detected in a blood test for around 12 hours, these tests are not commonly used in drug screenings. Healthcare providers may use blood tests to determine if a person is receiving the correct dosage of their medication. Checking levels an hour or two after the drug can help them decide if the dose should be adjusted to achieve the desired results.
Urine and saliva tests are used more frequently to check for recent use. Hair follicle tests may also be used to confirm past use. Ritalin might appear on a urine or saliva test for one to three days. Detection times are much longer for hair follicle tests, which may detect the presence of a substance for up to 90 days.
Factors That Affect Ritalin Detection Time
Many variables play a role in how long Ritalin, or any drug, continues to be active in the body after it’s taken. Factors that can impact Ritalin’s detection time include:
Because so many factors contribute to the length of time that Ritalin stays in your system, it is impossible to provide an exact timeline for when the medication will no longer be detectable on a drug test.
How to Get Ritalin Out of Your System
There are many myths about getting substances out of your system to pass a drug test. It is important to be aware that the only way to get a substance out of your system, including Ritalin, is to stop taking it and give your body time to process and eliminate the drug from your system.
You can do things to help your body metabolize substances more effectively, includinggetting enough exercise,eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding other substances.
Symptoms of Ritalin Overdose
If you take Ritalin for any reason, knowing how long the medication can stay active in your body may help prevent an accidentaloverdose of the stimulant, which can have serious consequences. An overdose of Ritalin can cause a host of unpleasant problems, including:
Getting Help for Ritalin Misuse
Ritalin can be an effective treatment for ADHD, but if you have been misusing the medication or are concerned, talk to your healthcare provider or a mental health professional. They can help you gradually lower your Ritalin dosage to minimize unpleasantwithdrawal symptoms.
You may also benefit from psychotherapy, such ascognitive behavioral therapy(CBT). CBT can help you change maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to addiction.
Your doctor can also prescribe other medications to help you manage your ADHD symptoms, including non-stimulant options.
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
8 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Ritalin label.
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