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What is Methylphenidate
 Methylphenidate
is a mild stimulant to the central nervous system (brain and
nerves). The exact way that Methylphenidate works is unknown.
Methylphenidate
is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy.
Methylphenidate
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Methylphenidate
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Methylphenidate may
cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or impair your
ability to concentrate. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness,
blurred vision, or impaired concentration, avoid these activities.
Do not crush, chew, or break the sustained- or extended-release
formulations of Methylphenidate (Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA,
Metadate ER, Metadate CD, Methylin ER, Concerta). Swallow
these whole with water or another beverage. They are specially
formulated to release medication slowly in the body. Alternatively,
the Ritalin LA and Metadate CD capsules may be opened and
the contents sprinkled onto a tablespoon of applesauce (not
warm), and the mixture swallowed immediately. Do not save
the mixture for later use. The capsule contents should be
swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.
What you should find out before taking
Methylphenidate
Do not take Methylphenidate if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the
last 14 days.
Do not take Methylphenidate without
first talking to your doctor if you have
- an allergy
to Methylphenidate;
- severe tension, agitation,
or anxiety;
- glaucoma;
- motor tics or have
been diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome;
- depression;
- a psychotic condition such as schizophrenia;
-
epilepsy or another seizure disorder;
- high blood
pressure (hypertension);
- a history of alcohol or
drug abuse; or
- a narrowing or blockage of your
gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, or intestines).
You may not be able to take Methylphenidate, or you
may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during
treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Methylphenidate is in the FDA pregnancy category
C. This means that it is not known whether Methylphenidate
will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Methylphenidate
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is
not known whether Methylphenidate passes into breast milk.
Do not take Methylphenidate without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Methylphenidate Take Methylphenidate exactly as directed by your
doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your
pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions
to you.
Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces)
of water.
Take each dose of Ritalin or Methylin 30
to 45 minutes before a meal.
The sustained-release
forms of Methylphenidate (Ritalin-SR, Metadate ER, Metadate
CD, Methylin ER, Concerta) can be taken with or without
food.
Do not crush, chew, or break the sustained-
or extended-release formulations of Methylphenidate (Ritalin
SR, Ritalin LA, Metadate ER, Metadate CD, Methylin ER, Concerta).
Swallow these whole with water or another beverage. They
are specially formulated to release medication slowly in
the body. Alternatively, the Ritalin LA and Metadate CD
capsules may be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a
tablespoon of applesauce (not warm), and the mixture swallowed
immediately. Do not save the mixture for later use. The
capsule contents should be swallowed whole and not crushed
or chewed.
If you are taking Concerta, do not be
alarmed if you see in your stool What looks like a tablet.
This is the outer shell of the tablet, the medication has
been absorbed by your body.
Store Methylphenidate
at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only the next regularly schedule dose unless
otherwise directed by your doctor. Do not take a double
dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Methylphenidate overdose include agitation, tremors
(shaking), muscle twitches, seizures, confusion, hallucinations,
sweating, flushing, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat,
large pupils, and dryness of the mouth and eyes.
Avoid while taking Methylphenidate Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Methylphenidate may
cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or impair your
ability to concentrate. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness,
blurred vision, or impaired concentration, avoid these activities.
Possible side effects of Methylphenidate If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Methylphenidate and seek emergency
medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the
throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- an irregular or fast heartbeat;
- chest
pains or very high blood pressure (blurred vision, severe
headache, flushing);
- unusual behavior or confusion;
or
- liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes,
nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or
bruising, severe fatigue).
Other, less serious side
effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Methylphenidate
and talk to your doctor if you experience
- insomnia
(difficulty sleeping);
- nervousness;
- drowsiness;
- dizziness;
- headache;
- blurred
vision;
- tics (repetitive movements);
- abdominal
pain, nausea, or vomiting;
- decreased appetite or
weight loss; or
- slower weight gain and/or growth.
Methylphenidate may cause drug dependence.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Methylphenidate Do not take Methylphenidate if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the
last 14 days.
Before taking Methylphenidate, tell
your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- warfarin (Coumadin);
- phenytoin (Dilantin);
- phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);
- primidone
(Mysoline);
- a tricyclic antidepressant such as
nortriptyline (Pamelor), amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep),
doxepin (Sinequan), desipramine (Norpramin), clomipramine
(Anafranil), or imipramine (Tofranil);
- a selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor such as fluoxetine (Prozac),
fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft);
- clonidine (Catapres); or
- guanethidine
(Ismelin).
You may require a dosage adjustment or
special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines
listed above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Methylphenidate.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products. |
