Jornay PM (methylphenidate) is a stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s prescribed to help manage symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention in people over the age of 6.
Learn how Jornay PM works for ADHD — and what makes it different from other ADHD meds — in this guide. And find out everything you need to know about taking it, including whether it’s covered by insurance and how to get a prescription.
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What is Jornay PM and why take it for ADHD?
In August 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Jornay PM (methylphenidate) for the treatment of ADHD in people over 6 years old. It works by acting on the central nervous system (CNS) to increase levels of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain. Dopamine is a brain chemical responsible for concentration, mood, memory, motivation, and more. Noradrenaline helps regulate attention and cognitive function.
The active ingredient in Jornay PM is methylphenidate. Note that generic methylphenidate and Jornay PM aren’t the same medication. Jornay PM is formulated, so you take it at night and feel the effects in the morning. It’s also absorbed more slowly by the body.
Jornay PM is available as delayed-release and extended-release capsules in 20-, 40-, 60-, 80-, and 100-milligram doses.
Effectiveness for ADHD
People with ADHD often have trouble functioning in different areas of their lives, like home, work, or school. Jornay PM can help increase attention and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Researchers have been studying the pharmacokinetics (how medications move through the body) of Jornay PM. A 2018 study showed that Jornay PM consistently delays the release of methylphenidate in the body, leading to more control over ADHD symptoms in the morning and throughout the day.
Jornay PM reviews from real users
Many people who take Jornay PM have a positive experience and report that it’s worth it for ADHD. On drugs.com, Jornay PM has an average rating of 9.5 out of 10 based on 15 reviews. 81% percent of reviewers noted a positive experience while taking it.
A reviewer on drugs.com wrote, “I can’t speak highly enough of this medication. It’s absolutely changed my life. Being able to wake up medicated and feel steadily alert throughout the day has been the most incredible blessing. I feel like I can function the way neurotypical people do, being able to move through life in a straight line and without my brain bouncing from side to side (at least not as much). It’s made me calmer, happier, more patient with others…the list goes on.”
Another drugs.com reviewer shared their experience, saying, “It [Jornay PM] works amazing!!! I 110% recommend it. I can finally get up in the morning without the stress of actually getting up (if you know, you know). I feel so much more motivated and can actually do my work!”
On Reddit, 1 user raved about Jornay PM stating, “You take it [Jornay PM] at night, then it kicks in in the morning so you end up waking up with the stimulant effect. And since I’m not a morning person at all, it has been super helpful. I went from feeling like a zombie to actually doing stuff in the morning, and that generally carries throughout the day. I also feel a noticeable increase in my ability to focus, especially on boring tasks that I really struggle with. Stuff like paying attention during college classes used to be impossible, now it’s not. This medication has been a total 10/10.”
What to know before you take Jornay PM
The FDA classifies Jornay PM as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse, misuse, and dependence.
You can become dependent on Jornay PM if you don’t take it as prescribed under the supervision of your healthcare provider. If you have a history of substance misuse or addiction, let your doctor know before starting Jornay PM.
What will it cost?
According to drugs.com (and with its discount applied), the cost for just over 3 months of Jornay PM (100 capsules if your provider instructs you to take one per day) is around $1,610. The portion of that you pay for Jornay PM depends on the pharmacy you use and whether you have health insurance that covers it.
To save money, you can apply for a prescription savings card. If you have insurance that covers Jornay PM, you’ll pay no more than $25 per month for it. You could even get your first prescription free. If you don’t have health insurance, you’ll pay $75 for a 1-month supply with the savings card.
Will insurance cover Jornay PM?
Jornay PM is covered by most insurance plans. To find out if your specific plan covers it, contact your insurance company directly by calling the member services number on the back of your ID card.
While Jornay PM is typically covered, your provider may need to provide additional information to your insurance before they approve it. This process is known as obtaining prior authorization. To avoid delays, your provider should submit the information to your insurance company shortly after prescribing Jornay PM.
If your prior authorization request is approved, your insurance covers some or all of Jornay PM’s cost. If your authorization request is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. To start that process, call your insurance company and tell them you want to appeal. If needed, they’ll reach out to your provider for further documentation to support your claim.
How to get a prescription for Jornay PM
To get a prescription for Jornay PM, you need to be evaluated for ADHD by a mental health professional. Your provider will ask about your medical and mental health history. They’ll also ask you to share your current symptoms.
If you meet the criteria for ADHD and will benefit from medication, like Jornay PM, your provider will give you a prescription or refer you to an ADHD psychiatrist, a specialist who diagnoses and treats ADHD.
You can find a provider on Klarity Health today.
What to know when taking Jornay PM
If you and your provider decide that Jornay PM is a good option for you, you’ll talk about how to take it. The typical starting dose is 20 milligrams. Your provider may gradually increase your dose based on how it’s working for you. Be sure to keep your follow-up appointments. They provide opportunities to talk to your provider about how the medication is working and any side effects you experience.
Your provider will advise you not to drink alcohol while taking Jornay PM. Alcohol can increase the amount of medication in your system, which can lead to serious side effects.
Don’t stop taking Jornay PM abruptly. Stopping suddenly can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms, like mood changes or suicidal thoughts. The best way to stop this medication is to create a plan with your provider. You’ll decide on a schedule to reduce your dosages.
If you experience withdrawal symptoms while stopping this medication, let your provider know immediately.
When to take Jornay PM and what to expect
Jornay PM is usually taken once a day in the evening. Most people take their medication between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. You want to be sure to take it at the same time every day.
You can take Jornay PM with or without food, but you should take it whole. Breaking, crushing, or chewing the capsule can affect the extended-release mechanism.
If you have difficulty swallowing Jornay PM, talk with your provider. They may recommend opening the capsule and sprinkling it on your food.
Common Jornay PM side effects
The most common side effects of Jornay PM in adults include:
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea or vomiting
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
Some people have mild side effects that subside with time. Based on reviews from real users, the most common side effects were sleep issues and changes in appetite, which they reported as mild. Others report no side effects with Jornay PM.
On Reddit, shyforever shared, “Would recommend trying it! Everyone’s response is different, but what my ADHD clinic says they’re seeing is that it’s better tolerated (fewer side effects) than other forms for many people and is giving longer duration of effect than other extended-release forms for many people. So far, at least the better tolerated [part] seems to hold true for me.”
Also on Reddit, Electronic-Breath347 wrote, “I like the fact I’m ready to go in the morning. At first it was hard for me to get a good rhythm down, but once you get a sleep schedule going it’s easier and your body doesn’t or shouldn’t wake up until the morning when it activates!”
Serious Jornay PM side effects
Jornay PM can cause serious side effects for some poeple, including:
- Risk of sudden death in people with serious heart disease.
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure.
- New or worsening mental health symptoms like psychosis, mania, depressed mood, and mood changes.
- Eye problems, like glaucoma or pressure in the eye.
- Priapism, or painful or prolonged erection.
- Circulation issues in the fingers and toes.
- Slowing of growth (height and weight) in children.
- Repeated movements or sounds, Tourette’s syndrome, or a family history of tics or Tourette’s syndrome.
Drug interactions and other precautions when taking Jornay PM
Jornay PM can interact with other medications, so there are some things you should consider before starting it. You shouldn’t take Jornay PM if you have an allergy to methylphenidate or other ingredients in the medication.
If you’ve taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), a type of antidepressant, within the last 14 days, you shouldn’t take Jornay PM. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous blood pressure levels.
Jornay PM can also interact with medications for high blood pressure and reduce their effectiveness for lowering blood pressure.
Let your provider know if you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. It’s unknown how Jornay PM may affect unborn children. It’s possible that it may pass into breast milk. Your provider will talk to you about other options for treating your ADHD.
Jornay PM compared to other ADHD medications
If you’re considering Jornay PM, you might be wondering how it stacks up against other ADHD medications. There are 2 types of medications approved to treat ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are the most common type of medication used to manage ADHD. They work by increasing brain chemicals, like dopamine and epinephrine. They’re effective for increasing attention and reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity. It’s important to know that stimulant medications carry the potential for misuse and addiction. So, they’re considered a controlled substance and regulated by the FDA.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications work by increasing norepinephrine. They’re also effective at improving attention and reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity. Non-stimulants differ from stimulants in that the risk for misuse and dependence is lower, and they’re not considered controlled substances. Commonly prescribed non-stimulants for ADHD include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine), and Intuniv (guanfacine).
Jornay PM is a stimulant with the same active ingredient as Concerta, Ritalin and Ritalin LA, Adhansia XR, QuilliChew, Relexxii, and Quillivant XR. Jornay PM sets itself apart because it’s filled with microbeads that delay the release of the medication for up to 12 hours. So, it’s taken in the evening instead of in the morning.
Read more about Jornay PM vs Ritalin.
Key Takeaway
- Jornay PM is an effective treatment for ADHD. It can help adults and children over the age of 6 calm ADHD symptoms. Like other stimulants, it works by increasing brain chemicals that regulate attention, mood, and behavior.
- Unlike other ADHD medications, Jornay PM is unique in that you take it in the evening, the release of medication is delayed overnight, and the medication is released in the morning, allowing you to function better throughout the day.
- The cost of 3 months of Jornay PM can be expensive (around $1,610). If you have insurance that covers Jornay PM, some of the cost may be covered. If not, you can apply for a copay card from the maker to help save money.
Talk to a provider about Jornay PM
Are you ready to try medication, like Jornay PM, to manage your ADHD? Find a provider on Klarity Health to get help from a compassionate, board-certified healthcare professional at your convenience. Get started today.
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances like Jornay PM may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.
