Can You Take Ritalin on Shabbat?

My 15-year-old son studies in a yeshiva. Every day, he takes Ritalin, which remarkably improves his functioning and helps him focus during classes and succeed in his studies. Currently, he doesn't take the medication on Shabbat, and as a result, he struggles to concentrate on his studies on this day. Is it permissible, or is it prohibited due to the prohibition on taking medicine on Shabbat?

This question has been addressed by many of our contemporary rabbis, in light of the decree from the sages that prohibited dealing with medicines on Shabbat (Shabbat 53b). The reason for this is that, in the time of the Talmudic sages, people used to grind medicinal plants and prepare the medication in their homes. The sages were concerned that someone might realize on Shabbat that they ran out of medicine and, in a rush, prepare the medication on Shabbat, thereby violating the prohibition of grinding, which is one of the 39 prohibited works on Shabbat.

The prohibition applies specifically when the medicine is needed for a person with a minor illness—meaning someone suffering from pain or a minor medical issue but who can still walk like a healthy person. However, if someone is bedridden, even if there is no life-threatening danger, the sages permitted them to take medicine, although, of course, they are not allowed to grind medicinal plants.

Accordingly, it appears initially that taking Ritalin on Shabbat is prohibited, as it does not concern a life-threatening condition.

However, there are special considerations for medications used for ADHD that have led most of our contemporary rabbis to permit taking these medications.

Firstly, the prohibition on taking medicine on Shabbat applies specifically to a sick person, not a healthy one. Therefore, since someone with an attention disorder is considered healthy, the medication they take is not considered "medicine" in the traditional sense. Additionally, it is similar to someone taking vitamins, which are not included in the prohibition on taking medicine on Shabbat.

Secondly, since medications for attention disorders do not cure the disorder but merely help the individual cope temporarily until the medication wears off, it's similar to taking pain relievers, which many authorities do not define as "medicine" prohibited on Shabbat.

Thirdly, nowadays, with people not commonly making their own medications at home, there's less concern about someone preparing their medication at home. There is greater leniency in allowing the taking of medicines on Shabbat, particularly if the purpose of taking the medication is to enable concentration on study and prayer, and to maintain appropriate and respectful behavior. In such situations, taking medication on Shabbat is permitted, as the authorities have allowed taking medication on Shabbat for the sake of a mitzvah.

In summary: It is permissible to take medications for attention disorders on Shabbat without the prohibition of taking medicine (for further reading and sources, see the book "Keshav Rav," section on Shabbat laws).