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Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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Methylphenidate can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for longer than your doctor tells you to. Tell your doctor if you have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol or drugs. |
Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Ritalin-SR) is also used to treat narcolepsy (uncontrolled desire for, or 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.
Methylphenidate comes as a tablet, an extended- or sustained-release (long-acting) tablet, and an extended-release capsule to take by mouth. The regular tablet and the extended-release tablet (Metadate ER, Methylin ER, Ritalin-SR) are usually taken two or three times a day, preferably 30-45 minutes before meals. The last dose of the day should be taken at least several hours before bedtime because the drug can cause sleeplessness. The extended-release tablet (Concerta) usually is taken once a day, in the morning, with or without food. The extended-release capsule usually is taken once a day, in the morning, before breakfast.
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. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the extended-release tablets and capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of methylphenidate and gradually increase your dose.
Continue to take methylphenidate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking methylphenidate without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.
Methylphenidate also is used sometimes to treat depression in elderly patients and in patients who have cancer, brain injury, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or have had a stroke. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before taking methylphenidate,
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.
Although side effects from methylphenidate are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
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). 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 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.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to methylphenidate.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Last Revised - 01/01/2003
The MedMaster Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.
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Page last updated: 04 October 2004 |