2025.09.20 – Maximum Daily Dosage of Methylphenidate

Key Findings

• In children and adolescents, the maximum dose generally should not exceed 60 mg/day in immediate-release forms.
• Extended-release formulations for children and adolescents usually allow a maximum of 54–72 mg/day, depending on age and tolerance.
• In adults, the maximum dose is generally 60–72 mg/day.
• Some countries permit higher limits in adults, up to 80–108 mg/day, but only in highly selected cases with strict medical supervision.
• Individualized dosing based on clinical response and adverse effects is necessary.
• Exceeding recommended limits increases risks such as hypertension, tachycardia, insomnia, anxiety, arrhythmias, or psychosis.

Full Account of Facts

Methylphenidate is a medication whose maximum daily dosage depends on both the patient’s age and the formulation used. For children and adolescents, immediate-release forms generally should not exceed 60 mg per day. In contrast, extended-release preparations often allow higher amounts, with most guidelines citing 54 to 72 mg daily as the upper safe boundary depending on age and tolerance. Adults typically follow a similar standard, with maximum daily intake usually limited to 60 to 72 mg. Reports also note that in certain countries, higher amounts up to 80 to 108 mg are legally permitted, though these are reserved for very specific cases and require careful, ongoing medical oversight. Dosing always must be individualized, taking into account therapeutic response and possible side effects. When recommended limits are surpassed, the likelihood of negative outcomes increases, including elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate, difficulty sleeping, heightened anxiety, abnormal heart rhythms, and in some cases psychosis.