Online prescription for methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)

Meet with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner online to find out if methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) is a good fit for you. We accept insurance, and appointments are often available the same day or same week.

Treatment for:
ADHD

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360+ insurance plans accepted

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find the right provider

    Browse providers online or call us and we’ll help you find someone who accepts your insurance and fits your needs. Pick a time that works for you and choose how you’d like to pay.

  • 2

    Get started with treatment

    At your first session, share what you’re experiencing and what you’re hoping to get out of treatment. Together, you’ll discuss your options—including whether medication might be a good fit. If so, your provider can send a prescription directly to your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Track your progress

    Your provider will check in regularly to make sure your treatment plan is working for you and adjust as needed.

What is stimulant medication?

A stimulant is a class of medication that is primarily used to treat ADHD. This medication is classified as a controlled substance, meaning it has special requirements for prescribing and dispensing due to its potential for misuse.

How does a stimulant work?

Stimulants work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This is helpful to reduce severity and frequency of symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity and to improve overall functioning.

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FAQs about methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)

What is methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) used for?

Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) is a stimulant medication FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults and children ages six and older. Like other stimulants, methylphenidate is a first-choice medication for ADHD. The branded version Ritalin is also approved to treat narcolepsy, a condition characterized by extreme sleepiness and sudden falling asleep.

Methylphenidate is sometimes used off-label for other conditions, such as apathy (lack of goal-directed activity) in people with dementia.

What's the difference between Ritalin and Concerta?

Ritalin and Concerta both contain the active ingredient methylphenidate. The main difference is their formulation, which affects how quickly the medication is released after taking the dose.

Ritalin comes as an immediate-release tablet and an extended-release capsule (Ritalin LA). Concerta only comes as an extended-release tablet. While Ritalin LA and Concerta are extended-release versions of methylphenidate, they release the medication differently and cannot be substituted for each other. Both release a portion of methylphenidate immediately, but Concerta then releases the rest of the medication gradually, providing symptom control for up to 12 hours. Ritalin LA, on the other hand, releases this second portion four hours after the first.

What are the side effects of methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)?

Common methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) side effects include decreased appetite, weight loss, trouble sleeping, headache, nausea or stomach pain, dry mouth, anxiety, sweating, and a faster heart rate or heart palpitations.

More serious side effects are possible and include new or worsening psychiatric symptoms, circulation problems in the fingers and toes, painful prolonged erections, glaucoma, and slowed growth in children.

Talk to your provider about any side effects that bother you or affect your daily life. And seek medical attention for severe or concerning symptoms.

How long does methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) last?

How long methylphenidate lasts depends on the formulation. Immediate-release Ritalin typically lasts a few hours, while Ritalin LA (an extended-release capsule) lasts around eight hours. Concerta is longer-acting and can provide symptom control for up to 12 hours.

These are estimates, and exactly how long the medication lasts can vary from person to person.

Does methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) cause weight loss?

Methylphenidate can decrease appetite, which may lead to weight loss in some people. In children and adolescents, long-term stimulant treatment can also slow weight gain and growth. If you’re losing a significant amount of weight or having trouble eating enough, talk with your provider.

How long does methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) stay in your system?

Methylphenidate is mostly gone from your bloodstream within about one day. Extended-release forms like Ritalin LA and Concerta continue releasing medication for several hours after you take them, so a dose takes a bit longer to fully clear than an immediate-release dose would.

This is different from how long the medication works. Immediate-release Ritalin may only improve ADHD symptoms for a few hours, while Concerta can work for up to 12 hours.

For drug testing, methylphenidate may be detectable for longer than that. In one study, it typically showed up in saliva tests for about 36 hours and urine tests for about 41 hours after a single dose.

Is methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) a controlled substance?

Yes. Like other stimulants, methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) is a Schedule II controlled substance.

Schedule II medications have accepted medical uses but also a high potential for abuse. Because of this, methylphenidate has stricter prescribing and dispensing rules than noncontrolled medications.

Can I get a prescription for methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) online?

Yes, you can often get a prescription online if your provider decides it’s clinically appropriate. Because methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) is a Schedule II controlled substance, there are specific telehealth requirements your provider will walk you through. If your state requires in-person evaluation, we can connect you with a local Thriveworks location or recommend other options.

Does insurance cover methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) consultations at Thriveworks?

Yes, Thriveworks accepts more than 360 insurance plans and most cover psychiatric services. You can check your coverage before booking, with no commitment required.

If you’re prescribed medication, whether that’s covered depends on your specific insurance plan. Coverage for prescription medications is separate from the coverage for psychiatric services, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to ask about your prescription drug benefits. Ask about any copays or deductibles that may apply to psychiatric medications, as well as any restrictions or prior authorization requirements.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Book a session with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks online or by calling us. At your first appointment, you’ll discuss your symptoms, treatment history, and goals. If medication is a good clinical fit, your provider will send a prescription to your local pharmacy.

Is Thriveworks LegitScript certified?

Yes, Thriveworks is LegitScript certified. LegitScript is an independent company that reviews healthcare and telehealth providers for legality, safety, and transparency.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published October 3, 2024

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are primarily offered online, with in-person availability in select states.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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