I have generic 5 mg ritalin (methylphenidate) that expired 3 years ago. i haven't had to take this medication for a long time. however, i am back in school short term. is this safe to take for studying?

Medicine expired: This medicine is probably not useful to you. It would not help you to study, and since it is expired, it will probably have no benefit to you as a medicine. It is best to discard this expired medicine.

No: even if the drug was still valid don't start unless re-evaluated, and most probably you won't need it, in other words don't take it prophylactically

Dr Juchau and another doctor agreed

Remember you: Shouldn't be taking expired medications and, particularly with controlled substances such as methylphenidate, you should just start and stop a medications like this without the guidance of your doctor(s).