METHYLPHENIDATE

Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant that can help you increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. It may also help you to organize your tasks and improve listening skills. This drug is used for people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Methylphenidate works by affecting chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.

Uses

This medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – ADHD. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain.

Warnings

This drug has a high potential for abuse and dependence. Use only as prescribed and do not share with others especially to people who have history of drug abuse.

Tell your doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol, use or have ever used street drugs, or have overused prescription medications.

Side Effects

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur.

More common side effects:

Fast Heartbeat

Less common side effects may include:

Chest Pain
Fever
Joint Pain
Skin Rash or Hives

Rare symptoms are:

Black, Tarry Stools
Blood in the Urine or Stools
Blurred Vision or Other Changes in Vision
Convulsions
Crusting, Dryness, or Flaking of the Skin
Muscle Cramps
Pinpoint Red Spots on the Skin
Scaling, Severe Redness, Soreness, or Swelling of the Skin
Uncontrolled Vocal Outbursts or Tics (Uncontrolled and Repeated Body Movements)
Unusual Bleeding or Bruising

Tell your doctor if the following symptoms persist or worsen. If you notice any other effects while using this drug, check with your healthcare professional.

Precautions

Precautions

Before taking methylphenidate, tell your doctor or pharmacist:

If you are allergic to it; or to Dexmethylphenidate; or if you have any other allergies.
Your medical history, especially of:
- High Blood Pressure
- Blood Circulation Problems (such as Raynaud’s Disease)
- Glaucoma
- Heart Problems (such as Irregular Heartbeat, Heart Failure, Previous Heart Attack, Problems with Heart Structure)
- Family History of Heart Problems (such as Sudden Cardiac Death, Irregular Heartbeat)
- Mental/Mood Conditions (especially Anxiety, Tension, Agitation)
- Personal/Family History of Mental/Mood Disorders (such as Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Psychosis, Suicidal Thoughts)
- Personal/Family History of Uncontrolled Muscle Movements (Motor Tics, Tourette’s Syndrome)
- Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)
- Seizure Disorder

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Tell your doctor all the products you use including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products.

Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Some of them are:

Isocarboxazid
Linezolid
Methylene Blue
Moclobemide
Phenelzine
Procarbazine
Rasagiline
Selegiline
Tranylcypromine

Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.

Overdose & Brands

Call emergency hotline if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

Vomiting
Agitation
Uncontrollable Shaking of a Part of the Body
Muscle Twitching
Seizures
Loss of Consciousness
Inappropriate Happiness
Confusion
Hallucinating (Seeing Things or Hearing Voices that Do Not Exist)
Sweating
Flushing
Headache
Fever
Fast, Pounding, or Irregular Heartbeat
Widening of Pupils (Black Circles in the Middle of the Eyes)
Dry Mouth or Nose

Available brand/s:

Concerta
Ritalin LA