Ritalin Safety Questions, Ritalin Answers
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Ritalin Safety Reports
Total Ritalin reports: 226.Ritalin FDA safety alerts: No.
Reported deaths: 6 Reported hospitalizations: 51.
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Reported Ritalin Side Effects: agitation, nausea, anxiety, abnormal behaviour, headache, pyrexia, insomnia, blood pressure increased, aggression, hyperhidrosis, heart rate increased.
Ritalin Usage.
Showing 1-50 of 226 Next >
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5304289-6Consumer or non-health professional from SWITZERLAND reported RITALIN problem on Apr 12, 2007. Male patient, 16 years of age, was diagnosed with hypersomnia-bulimia syndrome and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: aggression, disorientation, hallucination, incorrect dose administered, sleep disorder, tachycardia. RITALIN dosage: 40 MG/DAY. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5306831-8
RITALIN problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Apr 20, 2007. Male patient, 19 years of age, weighting 148.0 lb, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: urticaria. RITALIN dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5310210-7
Physician from DENMARK reported RITALIN problem on Apr 19, 2007. Male patient, child 6 years of age, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: depression. RITALIN dosage: 30 MG DAILY. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5311273-5
RITALIN problem was reported by a Pharmacist from JAPAN on Apr 19, 2007. Male patient, 73 years of age, was diagnosed with somnolence and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: delirium. RITALIN dosage: 5 MG DAILY. During the same period patient was treated with MORPHINE. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5311279-6
Physician from PORTUGAL reported RITALIN problem on Apr 17, 2007. Male patient, child 11 years of age, weighting 110.2 lb, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: facial palsy. RITALIN dosage: 20 MG. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5313278-7
RITALIN problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from CANADA on Apr 26, 2007. Male patient, child 12 years of age, was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: gait disturbance, hepatic neoplasm malignant, liver operation, lower limb fracture, metastases to bone, metastasis, pain, surgery, upper limb fracture. RITALIN dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient died on 12/06/2006.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5313306-9
Pharmacist from CANADA reported RITALIN problem on Apr 20, 2007. Male patient, 15 years of age, was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: fall, upper limb fracture. RITALIN dosage: 10 MG, BID. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5316424-4
RITALIN problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from FRANCE on Apr 23, 2007. Male patient, child 9 years of age, was diagnosed with psychomotor hyperactivity and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: abnormal behaviour, aggression, agitation, anxiety, apathy, asthenia, blood magnesium decreased, chest pain, decreased appetite. RITALIN dosage: 10 MG/DAY. During the same period patient was treated with CONCERTA. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5317535-X
Consumer or non-health professional from AUSTRALIA reported RITALIN problem on Apr 24, 2007. Male patient, child 8 years of age, was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: duodenal scarring, endoscopy, infection, vomiting, weight decreased. RITALIN dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5317576-2
RITALIN problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from BRAZIL on Apr 26, 2007. Male patient, 13 years of age, was diagnosed with agitation, depression and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: asthenia, hypokinesia, speech disorder, tremor. RITALIN dosage: 10 MG, TID. During the same period patient was treated with FLUOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5317984-X
Health Professional from BELGIUM reported RITALIN problem on Apr 23, 2007. Male patient, 14 years of age, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, campylobacter intestinal infection, crohn's disease, fatigue, gamma-glutamyltransferase increased, haematochezia, liver function test abnormal, malaise. RITALIN dosage: 30 MG, UNK. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5318254-6
RITALIN problem was reported by a Health Professional from BELGIUM on Apr 23, 2007. Male patient, 14 years of age, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, campylobacter intestinal infection, crohn's disease, fatigue, gamma-glutamyltransferase increased, haematochezia, liver function test abnormal, malaise. RITALIN dosage: 30 MG, UNK. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5320992-6
Physician from BELGIUM reported RITALIN problem on Apr 28, 2007. Male patient, 21 years of age, weighting 165.3 lb, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: apathy, bipolar i disorder, mania, schizophreniform disorder, weight increased. RITALIN dosage: 10 MG, QID. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5321765-0
RITALIN problem was reported by a Physician from DENMARK on Apr 23, 2007. Male patient was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: raynaud's phenomenon. RITALIN dosage: 30 MG + 20 MG/DAY. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5321953-3
Physician from GERMANY reported RITALIN problem on May 03, 2007. Male patient, 19 years of age, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: facial palsy, grand mal convulsion, hypoaesthesia, overdose, pyrexia, vasculitis. RITALIN dosage: 150MG/DAY. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5322708-6
RITALIN problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from NORWAY on May 02, 2007. Male patient, 24 years of age, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: abdominal pain upper, nausea, vomiting. RITALIN dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5323370-9
Consumer or non-health professional from NORWAY reported RITALIN problem on May 02, 2007. Male patient, 24 years of age, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: abdominal pain upper, nausea, vomiting. RITALIN dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5323372-2
RITALIN problem was reported by a Health Professional from NETHERLANDS on May 03, 2007. Female patient, 32 years of age, weighting 119.0 lb, was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: epilepsy. RITALIN dosage: 10 MG, TID. During the same period patient was treated with TRILEPTAL. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5323377-1
Physician from NORWAY reported RITALIN problem on May 04, 2007. Male patient, child 11 years of age, weighting 66.14 lb, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: areflexia, confusional state, encephalitis, fatigue, headache, migraine, stress. RITALIN dosage: 80 MG/D. During the same period patient was treated with RITALIN LA, RISPERDAL. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5324802-2
RITALIN problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES on May 07, 2007. Female patient was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: cardiac arrest. RITALIN dosage: 20 MG, UNK. During the same period patient was treated with DOLOPHINE. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5330680-8
Consumer or non-health professional from AUSTRALIA reported RITALIN problem on May 15, 2007. Male patient, child 8 years of age, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: duodenal scarring, endoscopy, gastroenteritis, infection, platelet count increased, red blood cell sedimentation rate increased, vomiting, weight decreased. RITALIN dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with PANTOPRAZOLE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5330694-8
RITALIN problem was reported by a Physician from AUSTRALIA on May 11, 2007. Male patient, child 11 years of age, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: hypothyroidism. RITALIN dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5334792-4
Consumer or non-health professional from JAPAN reported RITALIN problem on May 17, 2007. Male patient, 73 years of age, weighting 94.80 lb, was diagnosed with somnolence, pain and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: delirium. RITALIN dosage: 5 MG/DAY. During the same period patient was treated with OXYCONTIN, FAMOTIDINE, BROTIZOLAM. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5337968-5
RITALIN problem was reported by a Health Professional from NORWAY on May 23, 2007. Male patient, 35 years of age, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: blood amylase increased, lipase increased, pancreatitis. RITALIN dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5339754-9
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES reported RITALIN problem on May 25, 2007. Female patient, 21 years of age, weighting 251.3 lb, was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: anoxic encephalopathy, cardiac arrest. RITALIN dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with METADATE CD, LEXAPRO. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5355224-6
RITALIN problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES on Apr 12, 2006. Female patient, child 8 years of age, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: heart rate increased, stomach discomfort. RITALIN dosage: 20 MG, QD, ORAL. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5355226-X
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES reported RITALIN problem on Feb 13, 2007. Male patient, 50 years of age, was diagnosed with narcolepsy and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: agitation, blood growth hormone increased, blood pressure increased, fatigue, stasis dermatitis. RITALIN dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with CLONIDINE. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5343494-X
RITALIN problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on May 24, 2007. Female patient, 15 years of age, weighting 83.99 lb, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: intentional overdose, mydriasis, tachycardia. RITALIN dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5343539-7
Consumer or non-health professional from SOUTH AFRICA reported RITALIN problem on May 24, 2007. Male patient, child 10 years of age, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: disturbance in social behaviour, suicidal ideation. RITALIN dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with RITALIN LA, OMEGA. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5347276-4
RITALIN problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on May 24, 2007. Female patient, 15 years of age, weighting 83.99 lb, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: intentional overdose, mydriasis, tachycardia. RITALIN dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5347297-1
Physician from SOUTH AFRICA reported RITALIN problem on May 24, 2007. Male patient, 17 years of age, was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: epilepsy. RITALIN dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5351999-0
RITALIN problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from SOUTH AFRICA on May 28, 2007. Male patient, child 10 years of age, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: disturbance in social behaviour, suicidal ideation. RITALIN dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with RITALIN LA, OMEGA. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5355073-9
Consumer or non-health professional from BRAZIL reported RITALIN problem on May 31, 2007. Male patient, child 9 years of age, weighting 70.55 lb, was diagnosed with psychomotor hyperactivity and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: aggression, anorexia, enuresis, gastrointestinal infection. RITALIN dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with CLUSIVOL. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5355659-1
RITALIN problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES on June 12, 2007. Female patient was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: cardio-respiratory arrest. RITALIN dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with DOLOPHINE HYDROCHLORIDE. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5356639-2
Consumer or non-health professional from BRAZIL reported RITALIN problem on June 05, 2007. Female patient, child 6 years of age, weighting 66.14 lb, was diagnosed with disturbance in attention and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: anorexia, blister, cough, craniotomy, disturbance in attention, fall, insomnia, productive cough, secretion discharge. RITALIN dosage: 10 MG/DAY. During the same period patient was treated with NEULEPTIL, RISPERIDONE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5356640-9
RITALIN problem was reported by a Health Professional from NORWAY on June 05, 2007. Male patient, 25 years of age, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: weight decreased. RITALIN dosage: 60 MG/DAY. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5361506-4
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported RITALIN problem on June 06, 2007. Male patient, 17 years of age, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: emotional disorder, feeling abnormal, nervous system disorder. RITALIN dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTIDEPRESSANTS. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5361525-8
RITALIN problem was reported by a Physician from MALAYSIA on June 11, 2007. Female patient, child 10 years of age, weighting 52.91 lb, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: blood alkaline phosphatase increased. RITALIN dosage: 15 MG/DAY. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5361587-8
Consumer or non-health professional from JAPAN reported RITALIN problem on June 12, 2007. Male patient, 73 years of age, weighting 94.80 lb, was diagnosed with somnolence, pain and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: delirium. RITALIN dosage: 5 MG/DAY. During the same period patient was treated with OXYCONTIN, FAMOTIDINE, BROTIZOLAM. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5362115-3
RITALIN problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES on June 18, 2007. Male patient, 17 years of age, was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: cardio-respiratory arrest. RITALIN dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with DOLOPHINE HYDROCHLORIDE. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5363159-8
Consumer or non-health professional from BRAZIL reported RITALIN problem on June 08, 2007. Male patient, child 12 years of age, weighting 116.8 lb, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, convulsion and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: agitation, anorexia, blood pressure decreased, convulsion, eye rolling, irritability, nervousness. RITALIN dosage: 10 MG, TID. During the same period patient was treated with RITALIN LA, TEGRETOL, TRILEPTAL, DEPAKENE. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5363165-3
RITALIN problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from BRAZIL on June 12, 2007. Female patient, 15 years of age, was diagnosed with psychomotor hyperactivity and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: gastric lavage, intentional overdose, suicide attempt. RITALIN dosage: 200 MG, ONCE/SINGLE. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5368200-4
Consumer or non-health professional from BRAZIL reported RITALIN problem on June 18, 2007. Male patient, child 9 years of age, weighting 68.34 lb, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: agitation, surgery. RITALIN dosage: 10 MG. During the same period patient was treated with TEGRETOL. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5369970-1
RITALIN problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from AUSTRALIA on June 19, 2007. Male patient, 39 years of age, was diagnosed with narcolepsy and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: abdominal discomfort, chest discomfort, hyperhidrosis, mass, myalgia, nausea. RITALIN dosage: 60 MG, DAILY IN DIVIDED DOSES. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5042641-7
Consumer or non-health professional from BRAZIL reported RITALIN problem on June 26, 2006. Female patient, 19 years of age, weighting 103.6 lb, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: dizziness, hypoaesthesia, nausea. RITALIN dosage: 10 MG, BID. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5043966-1
RITALIN problem was reported by a Health Professional from UNITED STATES on June 26, 2006. Female patient, 21 years of age, was diagnosed with depression and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: catheter placement, urinary retention. RITALIN dosage: 10 MG, BID. During the same period patient was treated with LEXAPRO. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5045706-9
Physician from BRAZIL reported RITALIN problem on May 19, 2006. Male patient, 15 years of age, weighting 122.4 lb, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: microalbuminuria, night sweats, proteinuria. RITALIN dosage: 10 MG, BID. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5047362-2
RITALIN problem was reported by a Pharmacist from JAPAN on Apr 24, 2006. Male patient, 85 years of age, weighting 132.3 lb, was diagnosed with dementia alzheimer's type, gastritis, cerebral infarction, insomnia, eating disorder, constipation and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: aggression, blister, brain natriuretic peptide increased, haemorrhage, secretion discharge, skin ulcer. RITALIN dosage: 10 MG, QD. During the same period patient was treated with GANATON, XANBON, DESYREL, MYSLEE, PHYSIOSOL, PURSENNID. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5051242-6
Pharmacist from JAPAN reported RITALIN problem on June 09, 2006. Female patient, 15 years of age, was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: atrial hypertrophy, ecg signs of ventricular hypertrophy, hallucination. RITALIN dosage: 15 MG/D. Patient recovered.
Ritalin Side Effects Report #5051244-X
RITALIN problem was reported by a Physician from JAPAN on July 05, 2006. Male patient, 24 years of age, was treated with RITALIN. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: circulatory collapse, depressed level of consciousness, injury. RITALIN dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with DOGMATYL, DEPAS. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Showing 1-50 of 226 Next >
Drug Information: Methylphenidate
URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a682188.html
(meth il fen' i date)IMPORTANT WARNING:
| Methylphenidate can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, take it for a longer time, or take it in a different way than prescribed by your doctor. If you take too much methylphenidate, you may find that the medication no longer controls your symptoms, you may feel a need to take large amounts of the medication, and you may experience unusual changes in your behavior. 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.Do not stop taking methylphenidate without talking to your doctor, especially if you have overused the medication. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually and monitor you carefully during this time. You may develop severe depression if you suddenly stop taking methylphenidate after overusing it.Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with methylphenidate and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/cder) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide. |
Why is this medication prescribed?
Methylphenidate is used as part of a treatment program for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; more difficulty focusing, controlling actions, and remaining still or quiet than other people who are the same age). Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Ritalin SR, Methylin, Methylin ER) is also used to treat narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden attacks of sleep). Methylphenidate is in a class of medications called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain.
How should this medicine be used?
Methylphenidate comes as an immediate-release tablet, a chewable tablet, a solution (liquid); an intermediate-acting (extended-release) tablet; a long-acting (extended-release) capsule, and a long-acting (extended release) tablet. The long-acting tablet and capsules supply some medication right away and release the remaining amount as a steady dose of medication over a long time.All of these forms of methylphenidate are taken by mouth. The regular tablets (Ritalin, Methylin), chewable tablets (Methylin), and solution (Methylin) are usually taken 2 to 3 times a day, preferably 35-40 minutes before meals. The last dose should be taken at least several hours before bedtime. The intermediate-acting extended release tablets (Ritalin SR, Metadate ER, Methylin ER) are usually taken once a day in the morning with or without food. The long-acting extended release capsule (Metadate CD) is usually taken once a day before breakfast; the long-acting extended-release tablet (Concerta) and capsule (Ritalin LA) are usually taken once a day in the morning with or without food.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take methylphenidate exactly as directed.
You should thoroughly chew the chewable tablets and then drink a full glass (at least 8 ounces) of water or other liquid. If you take the chewable tablet without enough liquid, the tablet may swell and block your throat and may cause you to choke. If you have chest pain, vomiting, or trouble swallowing or breathing after taking the chewable tablet, you should call your doctor or get emergency medical treatment immediately.
Swallow the intermediate acting and long-acting extended-release tablets and capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.However, if you cannot swallow the long-acting capsules (Metadate CD, Ritalin LA), you may carefully open the capsules and sprinkle the entire contents on a tablespoon of cool or room temperature applesauce. Swallow (without chewing) this mixture immediately after preparation and then drink a glass of water to make sure you have swallowed all of the medicine. Do not store the mixture for future use.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of methylphenidate and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every week.
Your condition should improve during your treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen at any time during your treatment or do not improve after one month.
Your doctor may tell you to stop taking methylphenidate from time to time to see if the medication is still needed. Follow these directions carefully.
Other uses for this medicine
Methylphenidate should not be used to treat depression or excessive tiredness that is not caused by narcolepsy.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking methylphenidate,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to methylphenidate or any other medications.
- tell your doctor if you are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, including isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl), and tranylcypromine (Parnate), or have stopped taking them during the past 14 days. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take methylphenidate until at least 14 days have passed since you last took an MAO inhibitor.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: antidepressants ('mood elevators'); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); clonidine (Catapres); guanabenz; medications for seizures such as phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), and primidone (Mysoline); and methyldopa (Aldomet). If you are taking Ritalin LA, also tell your doctor if you take antacids.
- tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had Tourette's syndrome (a condition characterized by the need to perform repeated motions or to repeat sounds or words), facial or motor tics (repeated uncontrollable movements), or verbal tics (repetition of sounds or words that is hard to control), Also tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, or feelings of anxiety, tension, or agitation. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take methylphenidate.
- tell your doctor if anyone in your family has or has ever had an irregular heartbeat or has died suddenly. Also tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack and if you have or have ever had a heart defect, high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, heart or blood vessel disease, or other heart problems. Your doctor will probably examine you to see if your heart and blood vessels are healthy. Your doctor may tell you not to take methylphenidate if you have a heart condition or if there is a high risk that you may develop a heart condition.
- also tell your doctor if you have or ever have had seizures, or mental illness. If you are taking the chewable tablets, tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing or if you have phenylketonuria (PKU, a disease in which you must avoid certain foods). If you are taking the long-acting extended-release tablet (Concerta), tell your doctor if you have a a narrowing or blockage of your digestive system.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking methylphenidate, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking methylphenidate.
- you should know that methylphenidate should be used as part of a total treatment program for ADHD, which may include counseling and special education. Make sure to follow all of your doctor's and/or therapist's instructions.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals, but do not take a dose at or near bedtime. However, if you remember a missed dose when it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Methylphenidate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nervousness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- headache
- painful menstruation
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- excessive tiredness
- slow or difficult speech
- dizziness or faintness
- weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- seizures
- changes in vision or blurred vision
- agitation
- abnormal thoughts
- hallucinating (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
- motor tics or verbal tics
- depression
- mood changes
- fever
- sore throat
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- muscle or joint pain
- hives
- rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
Methylphenidate may cause sudden death in children and teenagers with heart defects or serious heart problems. This medication also may cause sudden death, heart attack or stroke in adults, especially adults with heart defects or serious heart problems. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.
Methylphenidate may slow children's growth or weight gain. Your child's doctor will watch his or her growth carefully. Talk to your child's doctor if you have concerns about your child's growth or weight gain while he or she is taking this medication. Talk to your child's doctor about the risks of giving methylphenidate to your child.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from light and excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Store methylphenidate in a safe place so that no one else can take it accidentally or on purpose. Keep track of how many tablets or capsules are left so you will know if any are missing. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- vomiting
- agitation
- shaking of hands that you cannot control
- 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
What other information should I know?
If you are taking methylphenidate long-acting tablets (Concerta), you may notice something that looks like a tablet in your stool. This is just the empty tablet shell, and this does not mean that you did not get your complete dose of medication.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to methylphenidate.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. This prescription is not refillable. Be sure to schedule appointments with your doctor on a regular basis so that you do not run out of medication.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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