Methylphenidate

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used for the treatment of narcolepsy, attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, exogenous obesity, abnormal behavioral syndrome in children (minimal brain dysfunction), and depression.
• Attention deficit disorder may take up to 3 weeks to see improvement.

How does it work?

• Methylphenidate stimulates the brain in adults to increase alertness. This effect on the brain may also cause weight loss. Methylphenidate has a stabilizing effect in children with attention deficit disorder.

How is it best taken?

• Take 30 minutes before meals.
• Take early in the day to avoid sleep problems. Do not take later than 6 PM.
• Swallow sustained-release tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• Do not suddenly stop using this medicine if you have been taking it for a long time. Medicine should be slowly decreased.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this medicine is started. The two together could cause dangerously high blood pressure.
• This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
• Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake.
• Use caution if you have high blood pressure. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Use caution if you have a history of seizures. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Use caution in driving, performing other tasks/hobbies that require mental alertness.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Inability to sleep, nervousness, restlessness, lack of appetite.
• Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.

What should I monitor?

• If you have a history of high blood pressure, check blood pressure regularly.
• If you are using this medicine for weight loss, follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very nervous and excitable.
• Severe headaches.
• Chest pain, pressure or fast heartbeats.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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