Ritalin
Methylphenidate · Novartis
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is one of the oldest and most studied ADHD medications. The generic is widely available and affordable, making it a common first-line treatment.
FDA-Approved Uses
Ritalin is FDA-approved for the following conditions.
Dosing: 5-20mg, 2-3 times daily
Average Cost
What you can expect to pay for Ritalin.
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Medicaid Coverage by State
Ritalin coverage status across all 51 states and territories.
| State | Medicaid | Medicare | Prior Auth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Alaska | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Arizona | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Arkansas | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| California | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Colorado | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Connecticut | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Delaware | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| District of Columbia | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Florida | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Georgia | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Hawaii | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Idaho | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Illinois | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Indiana | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Iowa | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Kansas | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Kentucky | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Louisiana | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Maine | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Maryland | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Massachusetts | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Michigan | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Minnesota | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Mississippi | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Missouri | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Montana | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Nebraska | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Nevada | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| New Hampshire | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| New Jersey | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| New Mexico | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| New York | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| North Carolina | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| North Dakota | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Ohio | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Oklahoma | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Oregon | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Pennsylvania | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Rhode Island | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| South Carolina | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| South Dakota | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Tennessee | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Texas | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Utah | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Vermont | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Virginia | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Washington | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| West Virginia | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Wisconsin | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
| Wyoming | Covered (Prior Auth) | Covered (Prior Auth) | Required |
Ritalin Side Effects
Common and serious side effects to discuss with your doctor.
⚡ Common Side Effects
- Decreased appetitecommon
- Insomniacommon
- Nervousnesscommon
- Headachecommon
⚠️ Serious Side Effects
- Cardiovascular eventsrare
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ritalin cost without insurance?
Ritalin costs approximately $85 per month without insurance. With insurance, copays range from $5 to $30 per month.
Does Medicaid cover Ritalin?
Medicaid coverage for Ritalin varies by state. Many states cover it with prior authorization. See the coverage table below for your state.
What are the side effects of Ritalin?
Common side effects include decreased appetite, insomnia, nervousness. Serious but rare side effects include cardiovascular events.
What is the generic name for Ritalin?
The generic name for Ritalin is Methylphenidate. It is manufactured by Novartis.
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