Ritalin ®
Generic Name: Methylphenidate (meth-il-FEN-i-dayt)
Drug Class: Amphetamine-like Drugs
Contents
Drug Uses
This medicine is used to treat narcolepsy, attention deficit disorders of
childhood also known as hyperactive child syndrome. Your doctor may prescribe
this medicine for other conditions as well.
General Information
This medicine should not be taken together with ma huang.
How it Works
This medicine increases the amount of a chemical in your brain (Dopamine).
It also stimulates the cortex similar to amphetamines.
How to Take It
Follow the directions that your doctor has given you. This medicine is taken
orally and may be taken with or without food. Do not abruptly stop taking
this medicine before talking to your doctor. Do not break, crush or chew sustained-release
forms. This medicine may cause a patient to have difficulty sleeping. It is
recommended that this medicine be taken several hours before going to sleep
or in the morning. Talk to your doctor about the best time to take this medicine.
Possible Side Effects
- nervousness, fast heart beat, excitement
- insomnia
- reduced appetite
- More severe side effects may include:
- growth suppression in children
- chest pain
- seizures or involuntary movements
- If you experience any of these severe side effects, talk to you doctor
immediately.
Warnings/Precautions
- Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you have a history
of:
- high blood pressure
- seizures
- or substance abuse issues
- Do NOT take this medicine if you have severe depression.
- Methylphenidate should NOT be used in patients with Tourette’s syndrome
or patients with a family history of this condition.
Overdose
- Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your
local or regional poison control center.
Drug Interactions
- Do not take this medicine if you have taken MAO inhibitors within the
last 14 days. This medicine may increase the toxic effects of tricyclic
antidepressants (Elavil, Pamelor), phenytoin (Dilantin), warfarin (Coumadin),
phenobarbital, or primidone. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist
before taking any new prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double
doses.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed.
Pregnancy/Nursing
If you are pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor
about the risks versus the benefits of taking this medicine during your pregnancy.
For nursing mothers, do not take this medicine while breast feeding.
More Information
For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.
Copyright © 2004 PharmClips,
Inc. All rights reserved. Information expires March 1, 2005. Published
March 1, 2004.
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general
information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions
for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility
for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from
the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained
herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property
as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty,
expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material.
The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before
making any changes in their drug regimen. |