Medicine Article Rewrite: Methylphenidate Tablets
Generic Name: Methylphenidate Tablets [ meth-il-FEN-i-date ]
Brand Names: Methylin, Ritalin
Drug Class: CNS Stimulants
Warning
This medication has a high risk of abuse and misuse. Only use methylphenidate tablets as directed by your doctor. Inform your doctor if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction.
Uses of Methylphenidate Tablets:
Treatment of attention deficit problems with hyperactivity
Treatment of narcolepsy
May be prescribed for other reasons, consult with your doctor
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Methylphenidate Tablets?
If you are allergic to methylphenidate or any other component of this medication
If you have any health conditions such as glaucoma, agitation, anxiety, overactive thyroid, blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, heart structure problems or other heart problems, Tourette’s syndrome or tics, or have had a stroke
If you have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinson’s disease in the last 14 days, including isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline
If you are taking any drugs such as linezolid or methylene blue
Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medications and health conditions before taking methylphenidate tablets
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Methylphenidate Tablets?
Inform all healthcare providers that you are taking methylphenidate tablets
Avoid driving or performing tasks that require alertness until you know how the medication affects you
Call your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as fast, slow, or abnormal heartbeat, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, change in eyesight, chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, or severe dizziness or passing out
Undergo heart tests before starting this medication
Check blood pressure and heart rate as directed by your doctor
Consult with your doctor to determine if you have a greater chance of seizures while taking this medication
Avoid alcohol consumption while taking methylphenidate tablets
Call your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as agitation, change in balance, confusion, hallucinations, fever, fast or abnormal heartbeat, flushing, muscle twitching or stiffness, seizures, shivering or shaking, sweating a lot, severe diarrhea, upset stomach, or vomiting, or severe headache
Call your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as unexplained bruising or bleeding, signs of infection like fever, chills, or sore throat, or feel very tired or weak
Children and teens may require regular growth checks while taking this medication
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breastfeeding
How is this medicine (Methylphenidate Tablets) best taken?
Use this medication as directed by your doctor and read all information provided
Take 30 to 45 minutes before meals
If taking more than one dose per day, take the last dose before 6 PM
Do not exceed the prescribed dose
Avoid caffeine and chocolate consumption while taking this medication
Have blood work checked regularly if taking this medication for an extended period of time
Consult with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure if you are taking methylphenidate tablets and have high blood pressure
What do I do if I miss a dose?
Take a missed dose as soon as possible, but do not take after 6 PM
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule
Do not take two doses at the same time or extra doses
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
