This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Dosage for methylphenidate
The dose of methylphenidate you need depends on what type you're taking and what you're taking it for.
Standard tablets
The usual starting dose for adults is 5mg, taken 2 or 3 times a day.
For narcolepsy, the usual starting dose is 10mg, increasing to a maximum of 20mg or 30mg. This can sometimes go up to a total of 60mg a day. You can split larger doses so you can take them 2 or 3 times a day.
Your doctor may increase your dose gradually (usually weekly) until they find the dose of methylphenidate that works best for you.
Slow release tablets
The usual starting dose for slow release tablets is 18mg, taken once a day. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose, 18mg at a time (usually weekly), until they find the dose that works best for you.
Slow release capsules
The usual starting dose for slow release capsules is 10mg, taken once a day. Your doctor may increase the dose gradually (usually weekly), until they find the dose that works best for you.
It's important to stick to the same brand of methylphenidate if it's not causing any side effects.
Important
If your usual brand of methylphenidate is unavailable, you may be able to get a similar medicine from another brand. If you need to switch, your doctor should make sure the type and dose matches the one you've been taking.
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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