Methylphenidate

The Basics

What is Methylphenidate?

A stimulant medication used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.

Brand names for Methylphenidate

Ritalin

How Methylphenidate is classified

Adrenergic Agents, Central Nervous System Stimulants, Dopamine Agents, Sympathomimetics

Methylphenidate During Pregnancy

Methylphenidate pregnancy category

Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Methylphenidate while pregnant

N/A

Taking Methylphenidate While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Methylphenidate?

In dosages prescribed for medical indications, limited evidence indicates that methylphenidate levels in milk are very low and not detectable in infant serum. The effects of methylphenidate in milk on the neurological development of the infant have not been well studied. If methylphenidate is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.[1] It is possible that large dosages of methylphenidate might interfere with milk production, especially in women whose lactation is not well established.

Maternal / infant drug levels

In dosages prescribed for medical indications, limited evidence indicates that methylphenidate levels in milk are very low and not detectable in infant serum. The effects of methylphenidate in milk on the neurological development of the infant have not been well studied. If methylphenidate is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.[1] It is possible that large dosages of methylphenidate might interfere with milk production, especially in women whose lactation is not well established.

Possible effects of Methylphenidate on milk supply

Methylphenidate reduces serum prolactin,[7] but no studies have been located as of the revision date on the effect of methylphenidate on milk production. The maternal prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

A 15-year-old girl had been receiving methylphenidate 54 mg daily in an osmotic release tablet (OROS) for 2 years. Sertraline was started for depression at 50 mg daily and increased to 100 mg daily along with haloperidol 0.5 mg daily. After 12 weeks of therapy, inattentativeness at school and headaches prompted a change from the OROS product to a modified-release methylphenidate product (brand not specified) at 30 mg daily, then increasing to 50 mg daily. Three days after the increase in dosage, the girl had spontaneous milk flow from both breasts and subsequently had an elevated serum prolactin of 67.7 mcg/L. Methylphenidate and haloperidol were discontinued, but sertraline was continued. One week later, galactorrhea resolved completely. Fifteen days after drug discontinuation, the girl’s prolactin level was in the normal range at 19.4 mcg/L.[8]

Possible alternatives to Methylphenidate