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Methylphenidate
Brand Names
 | PMS Methylphenidate |
| Ritalin SR |
| Ritalin |
Drug class: Central nervous system stimulant, sympathomimetic
Uses
| Decreases overactivity and lengthens attention span in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is used as part of the total management plan that includes educational, social and psychological treatment. |
| Treatment of depression in adults. |
| Treatment for narcolepsy and other disorders. |
What drug does
Stimulates brain to improve alertness, concentration and attention span. Calms the hyperactive child. It is a dopamine agonist.
Dosage
For Narcolepsy:
Common initial dose - 5 mg once or twice daily
Usual maximal dose (carefully monitored higher doses may sometimes be required) - 30 mg am and noon (short-acting, sustained-release or combination)
Symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, fever, confusion, vomiting, agitation, hallucinations, convulsions, coma.
What To Do in case of overdose: (Life Threatening)
| Dial 911 (emergency) or call an ambulance or call for medical help. Then give first aid immediately. Or go to emergency room immediately. |
| If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to-mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make patient vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take patient to nearest emergency facility. |
Side Effects
| Possible Adverse Reactions Or Side Effects | |
| Symptoms | What To Do |
| Life-threatening:
Rapid heartbeat, fever, confusion, vomiting, agitation, hallucinations, convulsions, coma. |
These are signs of drug overdose. Get medical help immediately. See above. |
| Common:
Nervousness, trouble sleeping, dizziness, nausea, appetite loss, headache, drowsiness, stomach pain, weight loss. |
Continue taking medication. Call doctor when convenient. |
| Infrequent:
Rash or hives; chest pain; fast, irregular heartbeat; unusual bruising; joint pain; psychosis; uncontrollable movements; unexplained fever. |
Discontinue taking medication. Call doctor right away. |
| Rare:
Blurred vision, other vision change, sore throat, unusual tiredness, convulsions. |
Discontinue taking medication. Call doctor right away. |
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe for those over 60 than in younger persons.
Warnings & Precautions
Don't take medication if:
| You are allergic to methylphenidate. |
| You have glaucoma. |
Before you start medication, consult your doctor if any of the following applies:
| You have epilepsy. |
| You have high blood pressure. |
| You take MAO inhibitors. |
| You have emotional or psychotic problems. |
| You have a history of drug abuse. |
Prolonged use:
| Rare possibility of physical growth retardation in children. |
| Talk to your doctor about the need for follow- up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check blood pressure, complete blood counts (white blood cell count, platelet count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit), growth charts. |
Miscellaneous:
| Dose must be carefully adjusted by doctor. |
| Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult about the use of this medicine. |
| Use only under medical supervision for children 6 or older. Don't give to child younger than 6. |
| Don't discontinue abruptly. Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear. Report to your doctor any new symptoms of depression, unusual behavior, unusual weakness or tiredness. |
Interactions
| Possible Interaction With Other Drugs | |
| Generic Name Or Drug Class | Combined Effect |
| Anticholinergics | Increased anticholinergic effect. |
| Anticoagulants, oral | Increased anticoagulant effect. |
| Anticonvulsants | Increased anticonvulsant effect. |
| Antidepressants, tricyclic | Increased antidepressant effect. Decreased methylphenidate effect. |
| Antihypertensives | Decreased antihypertensive effect. |
| Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants | Overstimulation. |
| Cisapride | Decreased methylphenidate effect. |
| Dextrothyroxine | Increased methylphenidate effect. |
| Guanadrel | Decreased guanadrel effect. |
| Guanethidine | Decreased guanethidine effect. |
| Minoxidil | Decreased minoxidil effect. |
| Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors | Dangerous rise in blood pressure. |
| Nitrates | Possible decreased effects of both drugs. |
| Pimozide | May mask the cause of tics. |
| Possible Interaction With Other Substances | |
| Interacts With | Combined Effect |
| Beverages: Caffeine drinks. |
May raise blood pressure. |
| Cocaine | High risk of heart- beat irregularities and high blood pressure. |
| Foods: Foods containing tyramine. |
May raise blood pressure. |
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