DEA schedule
Is Ritalin a controlled substance?
Ritalin contains methylphenidate. Federal schedule from the FDA NDC directory, checked against the DEA controlled substances list.
Source: FDA NDC Directory file dated 2026-10-22. Publisher page
Yes. Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a Schedule II controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act. Matching DEA list entry: Methylphenidate (Schedule II).
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Schedule check
| Source | What it lists |
|---|---|
| FDA NDC directory | 7 prescription listings from 2 labelers, all Schedule II |
| DEA controlled substances list | Methylphenidate: Schedule II |
DEA list entry
| Substance | DEA code | Schedule | Narcotic | Other names | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methylphenidate | 1724 | II | No | Concerta; Ritalin; Methylin | Listed by name |
Ritalin NDC listings
| NDC | Product | Form | Strength | Labeler | DEA schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0078-0424 | Ritalin LA | capsule, extended release | 10 mg/1 | Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation | CII |
| 0078-0370 | Ritalin LA | capsule, extended release | 20 mg/1 | Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation | CII |
| 0078-0371 | Ritalin LA | capsule, extended release | 30 mg/1 | Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation | CII |
| 0078-0372 | Ritalin LA | capsule, extended release | 40 mg/1 | Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation | CII |
| 66758-274 | Ritalin | tablet | 10 mg/1 | Sandoz Inc | CII |
| 66758-275 | Ritalin | tablet | 20 mg/1 | Sandoz Inc | CII |
| 66758-273 | Ritalin | tablet | 5 mg/1 | Sandoz Inc | CII |
Questions
Is Ritalin a controlled substance?
Yes. Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a Schedule II controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act. Matching DEA list entry: Methylphenidate (Schedule II).
Is Ritalin a narcotic?
No. The DEA list does not mark methylphenidate as a narcotic (NARC = N) and places it in Schedule II. Its FDA established pharmacologic class is Central Nervous System Stimulant.
What schedule is Ritalin?
Ritalin is Schedule II in the FDA NDC directory, which matches the DEA controlled substances list.
Does this page cover state schedules?
No. This page reports the federal schedule only. Some states schedule drugs on their own; check your state board of pharmacy.
More on Ritalin
- What is Ritalin used for?FDA label uses
- Generic for RitalinFDA Orange Book
- What is Methylphenidate used for?FDA label uses
- Is Methylphenidate a controlled substance?Schedule II
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