Jornay PM (methylphenidate) is a prescription drug for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and some children. The drug comes as an oral capsule that’s taken once daily.
Jornay PM basics
Jornay PM is a stimulant drug. It contains the active ingredient methylphenidate. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Jornay PM is both an extended-release and delayed-release* capsule.
Methylphenidate is available as a generic drug. But this form is not the same as Jornay PM. There’s no generic version of Jornay PM.
* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
“Delayed release” means the drug is released into your body after it passes through your stomach.
Like most drugs, Jornay PM may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that Jornay PM may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.
Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:
- your age
- other health conditions you have
- other medications you take
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Jornay PM. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.
Mild side effects
Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects that Jornay PM can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or read Jornay PM’s prescribing information.
Mild side effects of Jornay PM that have been reported include:
- reduced appetite
- insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- nausea and vomiting
- upset stomach
- abdominal pain
- unexplained weight loss
- dizziness
- feeling anxious or irritable
- sudden changes in mood
- mild allergic reaction*
Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Jornay PM can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Jornay PM, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects of Jornay PM that have been reported include:
- circulation problems in your fingers and toes, including Raynaud’s phenomenon
- heart problems, including:
- increased blood pressure
- fast heart rate
- heart attack
- stroke
- mental health conditions, including:
- bipolar disorder
- mania (a dramatic change in mood or behavior that affects your daily life)
- psychosis (loss of touch with reality)
- priapism (a painful erection that doesn’t go away)
- slowed growth rate in children
- boxed warning: risks of misuse and dependence*
- severe allergic reaction†
* For more information, see the “Can Jornay PM be misused? Can it cause withdrawal or dependence?” section.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.
Allergic reactionSome people may have an allergic reaction to Jornay PM. These reactions are rare, according to the drug’s studies and reports since the drug was approved for use.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:
A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.
Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Jornay PM. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Jornay PM that’s right for you. Below are commonly prescribed dosages, but always follow the dosage your doctor prescribes.
Form and strengths
Jornay PM comes as an oral capsule that’s both extended release and delayed release.
- Extended release means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
- Delayed release means the drug is released into your body after it passes through your stomach.
Jornay PM capsules are available in five strengths: 20 milligrams (mg), 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 100 mg.
Recommended dosages
You’ll take Jornay PM once per day in the evening. Specifically, you should take your dose between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. according to your doctor’s instructions. Taking Jornay PM in the evening helps manage your attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms the following day.
The recommended starting dose of Jornay PM is 20 mg taken once per day. The recommended maximum dose of the drug is 100 mg taken once per day.
Questions about taking Jornay PM
Below are some common questions about taking Jornay PM.
- What if I miss a dose of Jornay PM? If you miss a dose and it’s still evening, take your dose as soon as you remember. But if it’s the next morning or day, simply skip the missed dose. (Jornay PM should not be taken in the morning.) Then, take your next dose as scheduled. You should not take more than one dose of Jornay PM at a time to make up for a missed dose.
- Will I need to take Jornay PM long term? If you and your doctor agree that Jornay PM is safe and working well for you, you’ll likely take the medication long term.
- How long does Jornay PM take to work? Jornay PM starts working after your first dose. Jornay PM capsules are specially designed so that the drug works to treat ADHD symptoms the morning after you take a dose in the evening. This is why it’s important to take Jornay PM every evening, as described above.
- Can Jornay PM be chewed, crushed, or split? You may open Jornay PM capsules and sprinkle the contents onto applesauce. This mixture should be consumed immediately. You should not chew or crush the capsules.
- Should I take Jornay PM with food? You may take Jornay PM with or without food. However, you should consistently take Jornay PM the same way each time (either with or without food).
- Is there a best time of day to take Jornay PM? Yes, you should take your Jornay PM dose once per day in the evening, between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. as directed by your doctor. This helps Jornay PM manage your ADHD symptoms the next day. You should not take Jornay PM in the morning.
Overdose
Do not take more Jornay PM than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than this can lead to serious side effects or overdose.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose of Jornay PM can include:
- nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- feeling restless, anxious, or agitated
- tremor
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t actually there)
- high fever
- irregular heart rate
- high or low blood pressure
- convulsions (which may lead to coma)
What to do in case you take too much Jornay PM
Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Jornay PM. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.
Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Jornay PM.
How does Jornay PM compare with other similar drugs, such as Adderall XR, Concerta, or Vyvanse?
Jornay PM, Adderall XR, Concerta, and Vyvanse are all prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in adults. If you’re looking at treatment options for this condition, you may wonder how these drugs compare.
The table below briefly compares these drugs. To learn more about how treatment options for ADHD compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
| Medication | Active ingredient | Form | How it’s taken |
| Jornay PM | methylphenidate | oral capsule that’s both extended release and delayed release* | once per day in the evening between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. |
| Adderall XR | mixed amphetamine/dextroamphetamine salts | extended-release oral capsule | once per day in the morning |
| Concerta | methylphenidate | extended-release oral tablet | once per day in the morning |
| Vyvanse | lisdexamfetamine | • oral capsule • chewable tablet | once per day in the morning |
* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
“Delayed release” means the drug is released into your body after it passes through your stomach.
Is Jornay PM a controlled substance?
Yes, Jornay PM is a Schedule II controlled substance. (A controlled substance is a drug the government regulates due to the risks of dependence or misuse.)
To learn more, see the “Can Jornay PM be misused? Can it cause withdrawal or dependence?” section below. You can also talk with your pharmacist or doctor if you have questions about controlled substances, including Jornay PM.
How long does Jornay PM last?
When taken once per day in the evening as prescribed by your doctor, Jornay PM should last long enough to manage ADHD symptoms beginning the next morning and throughout the next day. It should wear off in the evening before you take your next dose.
If you have questions or concerns about how long Jornay PM’s effects last, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Jornay PM is prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and in children ages 6 years and older.
ADHD is a mental health condition that causes impulsive behaviors, inattentiveness, and unusual hyperactivity. The condition begins in childhood, although some people are not diagnosed until they’re adults.
It’s not fully known how Jornay PM works to treat ADHD. However, the drug increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which may help treat ADHD symptoms.
Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering Jornay PM. What you’ll pay for Jornay PM may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use.
Here are a few things to consider regarding cost:
- Cost information and savings coupons. You can visit Optum Perks* to get price estimates of what you’d pay for Jornay PM when using coupons from the site.
- Savings program. If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. A savings card may also be available for Jornay PM.
You can also check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.
* Optum Perks is a sister site of Healthline. Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.
Other drugs are available that can treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If you’d like to explore an alternative to Jornay PM, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that might work well for you.
The following drugs are similar to Jornay PM:
- mixed amphetamine/dextroamphetamine salts (Adderall XR)
- methylphenidate (Concerta)
- lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
- viloxazine (Qelbree)
Jornay PM has a
Jornay PM is a stimulant drug that’s a Schedule II controlled substance. This means the drug has high risks of misuse and dependence.
Continued misuse of stimulants such as Jornay PM may lead to substance use disorder (formerly called drug abuse). In addition, misusing stimulants such as Jornay PM can lead to other serious side effects. Examples include:
- aggression, irritability, or hostility
- thoughts of harming yourself or others
- psychosis (loss of touch with reality)
In some cases, misusing Jornay PM can even be fatal.
It’s important to store Jornay PM in a safe, secure place where other people can’t easily find or access your medication.
Before prescribing Jornay PM, your doctor will ask whether you have a history of alcohol or drug misuse. They may order a urine drug test before or during your treatment with Jornay PM. Your doctor will also closely monitor you for any signs of misusing Jornay PM.
If you suddenly stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on, it can cause withdrawal symptoms† such as fatigue (low energy), depression, and agitation.
If you have questions or concerns about Jornay PM and misuse or dependence, talk with your doctor.
* Misuse refers to taking a drug in a way other than how it was prescribed. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function as usual.
† Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.
Below is important information you should consider before taking Jornay PM.
Interactions
Jornay PM can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.
Before taking Jornay PM, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
Drug interactions
Below is a list of medications that can interact with Jornay PM. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Jornay PM. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
| Drug group or drug name | Drug examples |
| monoamine oxidase inhibitors | • isocarboxazid (Marplan) • phenelzine (Nardil) |
| blood pressure drugs | • angiotensin II receptor blockers, such as valsartan (Diovan) • beta-blockers, such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) |
| the antipsychotic drug risperidone (Risperdal) | – |
Jornay PM and alcohol
It is not safe to consume alcohol while taking Jornay PM. Doing so could raise your risk of side effects such as insomnia (trouble sleeping). It could also worsen your attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms the next day.
If you have concerns about avoiding alcohol during your Jornay PM treatment, talk with your doctor.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether it’s safe to take Jornay PM while pregnant. If you and your doctor agree that you’ll take the medication during pregnancy, consider joining the psychiatric medication pregnancy registry. This registry helps collect information on the safety of taking certain drugs, including stimulants such as Jornay PM, during pregnancy. You can learn more or sign up by calling 1-866-961-2388 or by visiting the registry website.
It’s not known whether Jornay PM is safe to take while breastfeeding. The drug passes into breast milk and could cause side effects in a child who’s breastfed.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before taking Jornay PM. If your doctor determines that it’s safe for you to take the drug while you breastfeed, watch your child for side effects such as agitation, trouble sleeping, and trouble feeding.
Boxed warning
Jornay PM has a
To learn more, see the “Can Jornay PM be misused? Can it cause withdrawal or dependence?” section above.
Other warnings
Jornay PM can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Jornay PM is a good treatment option for you.
Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Jornay PM. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:
- circulation problems in your fingers or toes
- heart problems, including high blood pressure or heart disease
- mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder
- past allergic reaction to Jornay PM
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
If you have questions about taking Jornay PM for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Questions you may want to ask include:
- Based on my medical history, do I have a higher risk of misuse or dependence* if I’m prescribed Jornay PM?
- How do side effects of Jornay PM compare with those of other medications for ADHD?
- How will we determine whether Jornay PM is working for my or my child’s symptoms?
- If my insurance coverage changes while I’m taking Jornay PM, could that affect my treatment plan?
* Misuse refers to taking a drug in a way other than how it was prescribed. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function as usual.
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Disclaimer: Healthline 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.
