Jornay PM (methylphenidate) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and certain children. Jornay PM comes as an ER capsule that’s typically taken once per day.

Jornay PM is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD in adults and children ages 6 years and older.

Jornay PM belongs to a drug class called stimulants. Jornay PM is not available in a generic version.

Jornay PM comes as an extended-release (ER) capsule, which releases the drug slowly over time.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Jornay PM, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Jornay PM, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Jornay PM provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Jornay PM, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

The information below describes Jornay PM’s typical dosages and other details about the drug.

Jornay PM form

Jornay PM comes as an ER oral capsule. With ER medications, the drug is slowly released into your body over time.

Jornay PM strengths

Jornay PM comes in five strengths:

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

Typical dosages

Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing you a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for ADHD

Doctors may prescribe Jornay PM to treat ADHD.

If your doctor prescribes Jornay PM for your ADHD, your starting dose will likely be 20 mg. Typically, you’ll take this once per day in the evening. After 7 days, your doctor may recommend increasing your dosage. Your doctor may continue recommending dosage increases every 7 days until you reach the dose that’s right for you.

The maximum dose of Jornay PM is 100 mg per day.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Children’s dosage

Jornay PM is approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 years and older. The children’s dosage is the same as the adult dosage described above.

Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.

How to take Jornay PM

Jornay PM comes as an ER oral capsule that you swallow whole. You may take your dose with or without food. But you need to take it the same way, either with or without food, each time.

With your doctor’s approval, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the pellets on applesauce. Swallow right away, without chewing the pellets. Then, drink a glass of water to make sure you’ve swallowed all the pellets.

You’ll need to take Jornay PM around the same time of day, in the evening between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Jornay PM can work effectively. Do not take Jornay PM in the morning.

If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Long-term treatment

Jornay PM is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Jornay PM is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Before you start taking Jornay PM, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Jornay PM in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

It’s important that you do not take more Jornay PM than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

Symptoms of an overdose

Overdose symptoms of Jornay PM can include:

  • agitation
  • confusion
  • fast heart rate
  • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there)
  • high body temperature
  • seizures
  • severe muscle pain

If you take more than the recommended amount of Jornay PM

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Jornay PM. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Jornay PM.

How long does it take for Jornay PM to work?

Jornay PM starts working within 10 to 14 hours of taking the dose. When you take the dose in the evening, it’ll start working the next morning. Then, it will gradually wear off throughout the day. Because of the way it works, you should not take Jornay PM in the morning.

Talk with your doctor if you don’t think Jornay PM is working soon enough. If you have questions about how to take Jornay PM, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

How does the dosage of Jornay PM compare with the dosages of Adderall or Concerta?

The dosages are similar. Jornay PM, Adderall, and Concerta can all be used to treat ADHD.

Both Concerta and Adderall XR* are available as extended-release medications that you take once per day. In this way, their dosages are similar to Jornay PM’s dosage. However, you take Concerta and Adderall XR in the morning. This is different from Jornay PM, which you take in the evening.

If you have questions about how these medications compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* Adderall is available as an immediate-release oral tablet as well as an extended-release oral capsule under the name Adderall XR.

Is there a Jornay PM dose conversion from other methylphenidate products?

No, there isn’t a dose conversion from other methylphenidate products to Jornay PM. If you take another methylphenidate product, your doctor will stop it before starting you on Jornay PM. When you start Jornay PM, you’ll follow the typical dosage described in the “Dosage for ADHD” section.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about your Jornay PM dosage and what to expect when you change methylphenidate products.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.