Methylphenidate (By mouth)

Introduction:

Methylphenidate (meth-il-FEN-i-date)

Treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (sudden attacks of uncontrollable sleepiness). This medicine is a stimulant.

Brand Name(s):

Concerta, Methylin, Ritalin LA, Metadate CD, Methylin ER, Ritalin, Ritalin-SR, Metadate ER

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• It is best to take the immediate-release tablet 30 to 45 minutes before meals. If you or your child have problems falling asleep, take the last dose of the day before 6 p.m.
• The extended-release form of this medicine is taken once a day, usually just before the morning meal. Swallow the capsule or tablet whole with water or other liquids. Do not break, chew, or crush it.
• If you or your child cannot swallow the extended-release capsule whole, carefully open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine on one tablespoonful of applesauce. Swallow this mixture right away and drink some water. Do not save the mixture for a later time.
• Tell your doctor if you or your child cannot swallow the extended-release tablet whole. A different form of the medicine may be needed.
• While taking the extended-release form of this medicine, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you or your child are also using antacids, certain blood pressure medicines (such as clonidine, guanethidine, Catapres®, Clorpres®, Combipres®, or Ismelin®), a blood thinner (such as warfarin or Coumadin®), cold or allergy medicines, phenylbutazone, medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, imipramine, trazodone, Anafranil®, Celexa®, Effexor®, Luvox®, Norpramin®, Paxil®, Prozac®, Serzone®, Tofranil®, Vivactil®, or Zoloft®), or medicine for seizures (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, Dilantin®, or Mysoline®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you or your child are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, or if you or your child have epilepsy, eye or vision problems, or a history of seizures, thyroid problems, stomach or bowel problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression or mental illness (such as bipolar disorder), or drug or alcohol problems. Also tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has tried to commit suicide or talked about suicide.
• This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. It may also cause blurred vision or other vision problems. If any of these occur, do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or not able to see well.
• This medicine may cause slow growth. If your child is using this medicine, the doctor will need to keep track of your child's height and weight to make sure that your child is growing properly.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Agitation, confusion, increased sweating, or fever.
• Chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Convulsions or tremors.
• Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting.
• Mood and mental changes, or unusual behavior.
• Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there.
• Trouble seeing or blurred vision.
• Uncontrollable muscle movements or twitching.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry mouth.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, restless, or nervous.
• Headache.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or stomach pain.
• Runny or stuffy nose, cough, or sore throat.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Weight loss.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: