Drug Name: Methylphenidate
Brand Names: Concerta, Metadate, Methylin, Ritalin
Generic Name: Methylphenidate
Uses: Methylphenidate belongs to the drug class of CNS (Central Nervous System) stimulants. It is used as part of the treatment of ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and also for the treatment of narcolepsy. This is a disorder that causes excessive daytime sleeping and sudden attacks of sleepiness which makes it difficult for a person to stay awake during productive hours of the day.
How to use: Methylphenidate comes in immediate- release tablets, chewable tablets, extended-release tablets, regular tablets and solutions. The extended-release tablets are usually taken once a day in the morning while the regular and chewable tablets are taken 2 to 3 times a day. The chewable tablets should be chewed properly and should be taken with a full glass of water. The tablet may swell and block your throat so be sure to take enough liquid to avoid choking. It is advisable to take Methylphenidate 30 to 40 minutes before meals and the last dose should be 4 to 6 hours before your bedtime. This is so that the medicine will not interfere with your sleep.
Side Effects: Decreased or loss appetite, weight loss, headache, mild stomach upset, nervousness, restlessness and difficulty sleeping are among the common side effects of Methylphenidate. These do not require immediate medical attention as well as rare instances of blurred vision, dizziness, lightheadedness and stomach cramps. If however you should experience anxiety or extreme nervousness, bruising, mood changes, chest pain, palpitations, fever, increased blood pressure, joint pain, skin rash and uncontrollable head, mouth, neck or arm movements, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Precautions: Before starting your treatment, inform your doctor of any other condition that you may be having and of your medical history. Previous or recent condition may affect your Methylphenidate treatment. These include severe anxiety, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, spasms, seizures, high blood pressure and heart or thyroid disease. It is also important to notify your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant during the treatment as this may risk your health and your baby’s.
Drug Interaction: Some medication may interact with Methylphenidate. This may affect its effectiveness. Some of these medications are amphetamine, bretylium, clonidine, furazolidone, lithium, diuretics, MAO inhibitors and medicines for colds, high blood pressure, mental problems or medicines for weight loss.
Overdose: Vomiting, agitation, shaking of hands, muscle twitching, inappropriate happiness, hallucinating, flushing and dry mouth are among the symptoms experienced during an overdose. If you suspect an overdose, contact your local emergency unit.
Notes: Avoid activities that require mental alertness until you know how the drug affects you. Methylphenidate may affect your concentration so it is best to make sure that you are not in these kinds of activities when that happens.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as remembered and take spaced intervals for the next ones. If however it is almost time for the next dose, just skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Never double up your dosage and do not take it when it is nearly bedtime.
Important Note: Never take Methylphenidate more often, much longer and at a larger dose than what was prescribed by your doctor. This medication may be addictive and can have adverse effects on the individual.
Storage: Methylphenidate should be stored at room temperature and should be kept away from light and moisture. It should be kept in a tightly closed container.
Additional Methylphenidate information:
Medline Plus provides answers to questions on Methylphenidate
