Dosage Details for Jornay PM (Methylphenidate)

Key takeaways

• Jornay PM is a delayed-release, extended-release oral capsule used to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older. It’s usually taken once each evening.
• Dosing for Jornay PM varies by individual response. The typical initial dose is 20 milligrams (mg), which may be raised gradually up to a maximum of 100 mg per day.
• Jornay PM carries a boxed warning for risks of misuse and addiction, so it’s important to adhere to your prescribed dose and consult your clinician before altering your regimen.

Clinicians prescribe Jornay PM to adults and certain children to manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Jornay PM is in the stimulant class of medicines and contains the active component methylphenidate.

This article outlines typical Jornay PM dosages, available strengths, and how to take the medication.

Jornay PM includes a boxed warning about the potential for misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the FDA’s most prominent alert. For more details, see the “Is there risk of misuse, dependence, or withdrawal with Jornay PM?” section below.

What is Jornay PM’s dosage?

The following explains common Jornay PM dosing. Continue reading for specifics.

What form does Jornay PM come in?

Jornay PM is supplied as an oral capsule with both delayed-release and extended-release properties.

• Delayed release: After ingestion, the medication’s release is postponed until it has passed through the stomach (about 10 hours later).
• Extended release: Jornay PM releases medication over an extended period, allowing effects to persist throughout most of the day.

What strengths are available for Jornay PM?

Jornay PM is manufactured in five strengths:

• 20 milligrams (mg)
• 40 mg
• 60 mg
• 80 mg
• 100 mg

What are the typical adult dosages of Jornay PM?

Your prescriber will likely begin with a low dose and modify it over time to find the most effective amount. They will aim to use the smallest dose that achieves the desired benefit.

The information below outlines commonly used or recommended doses. Always follow the dose your clinician prescribes, as they will tailor it to your needs.

Dosage for ADHD

The usual initial dose for adults with ADHD is 20 mg, taken once nightly.

Your clinician may raise the dose by 20 mg each week until the optimal dose is reached. The maximum recommended dose is 100 mg taken in the evening.

What’s the dosing for children?

Jornay PM may be prescribed for children aged 6 years and older to manage ADHD. The typical starting dose for children is 20 mg, taken once nightly.

A child’s prescriber may increase the dose by 20 mg weekly until an effective dose is achieved. The maximum recommended dose for children is 100 mg each evening.

For more guidance about dosing in children, consult your child’s healthcare provider.

Is Jornay PM a long-term medication?

Yes. Jornay PM is commonly used as a long-term therapy. If you and your clinician determine it’s safe and provides benefit, you will likely continue it over time.

What factors can affect my dosage?

The dose prescribed for Jornay PM can depend on:

• how you respond to the medication
• whether you experience any adverse effects

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How is Jornay PM taken?

You can swallow Jornay PM capsules whole, or open the capsule and sprinkle the pellets onto a small spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the applesauce-pellet mixture without chewing. You may want to drink a glass of water afterward to help ensure any pellets left in your mouth are swallowed.

When initiating Jornay PM, your clinician will usually advise taking it between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. You’ll experiment within this window to find the time that produces the best effect the next day. Once you determine the optimal time, try to take it at the same hour each evening.

Jornay PM may be taken with or without food, but it’s important to be consistent—either always with food or always without—because food can change how long it takes for the medication to begin working.

What if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of Jornay PM, take it as soon as you remember that same evening. If you only recall the missed dose the following morning, skip it and take your next dose at the normal time. If you’re uncertain whether to take a missed dose, check with your clinician or pharmacist.

To help remember nightly doses, consider using a medication reminder such as an alarm or a reminder app on your phone.

Is there a risk of misuse, dependence, or withdrawal with Jornay PM?

Yes. Jornay PM carries a boxed warning regarding the risk of misuse and addiction. This is the FDA’s most serious drug warning and is intended to alert prescribers and patients to potentially dangerous effects.

Jornay PM is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. Controlled substances are regulated because of potential misuse and dependence. Misuse means taking a medication in a manner other than prescribed—for example, taking it more often or at higher doses than recommended.

Chronic misuse or prolonged high-dose use can lead to physical dependence, where your body relies on the drug to function normally.

If dependence develops and you abruptly reduce your dose or stop taking Jornay PM, withdrawal symptoms can occur. Possible withdrawal symptoms include:

• low mood or depressive symptoms
• tiredness
• disturbing dreams
• insomnia or excessive sleepiness
• increased appetite
• psychomotor agitation (repetitive, purposeless movements)

If you and your clinician choose to discontinue Jornay PM, your prescriber will taper the dose gradually to reduce the risk of withdrawal.

If you have concerns about dependence or potential withdrawal when stopping Jornay PM, speak with your clinician or pharmacist.

What should be done in case of overdose?

Jornay PM is a stimulant of the central nervous system. Do not exceed your prescribed dose, as doing so can cause harmful effects.

Symptoms of overdose

An overdose of Jornay PM leads to excessive central nervous system stimulation. Signs may include:

• nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• anxiety, trembling, and agitation
• fever
• overactive reflexes, muscle twitching, and muscle injury
• low or high blood pressure
• irregular or fast heart rhythm
• dilated pupils, rapid breathing, and dry mouth
• seizures and coma

What to do if you take too much Jornay PM

Contact your clinician promptly if you suspect an overdose. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. If severe symptoms are present, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to common questions about Jornay PM dosing.

How long does it take for Jornay PM to start working?

Jornay PM begins to take effect after the first dose; you’ll most likely notice its benefits the next day. Mild side effects can occur while your body adjusts, and these often subside within a couple of weeks. For more detail, see the article on Jornay PM side effects.

Your clinician will continue to monitor how well the medication is working and discuss side effects or expectations during treatment.

Is Jornay PM’s dosing similar to Concerta?

Jornay PM and Concerta have some similarities. Both contain methylphenidate, but Jornay PM is a capsule taken once nightly, while Concerta is a tablet usually taken once each morning.

The milligram strengths and dosing instructions differ between the two medications. For more specifics, see the Concerta dosage article.

Discuss with your clinician if you want to compare these medications further.

Disclaimer: HealthEH has worked to ensure the information here is accurate, comprehensive, and current. However, this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medication. Drug information can change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of certain warnings does not imply a medication or combination is safe or appropriate for every patient or situation.