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Methylphenidate |
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What is Methylphenidate and why is it prescribed? Methylphenidate is a mild central nervous system stimulant used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. When given for attention deficit disorder, Methylphenidate should be an integral part of a total treatment program that includes psychological, educational, and social measures. Excessive doses of Methylphenidate over a long period of time can produce addiction. It is also possible to develop tolerance to Methylphenidate, so that larger doses are needed to produce the original effect. Because of these dangers, be sure to check with your doctor before making any change in dosage. Withdraw Methylphenidate only under your doctor's supervision. How should you take Methylphenidate? Follow your doctors directions for taking Methylphenidate. It is recommended that Methylphenidate be taken 30 to 45 minutes before meals. If the drug interferes with sleep, give the child the last dose before 6 p.m. If you miss a dose give it to the child as soon as you remember. Give the remaining doses for the day at regularly spaced intervals. Do not give two doses at once. Keep out of reach of children. Store below 86 degrees Fahrenheit in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. Are there any Methylphenidate side effects? Methylphenidate side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Methylphenidate side effects may include inability to fall or stay asleep and nervousness. These side effects can usually be controlled by reducing the dosage and omitting the drug in the afternoon or evening. In children, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss during long-term therapy, inability to fall or stay asleep, and abnormally fast heartbeat are more common Methylphenidate side effects. Less common or rare Methylphenidate side effects may include abdominal pain, abnormal heartbeat, abnormal muscular movements, blood pressure changes, chest pain, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, hair loss, headache, hives, jerking, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea, palpitations, pulse changes, rapid heartbeat, reddish or purplish skin spots, skin reddening, skin inflammation with peeling, skin rash, Tourette's syndrome, and weight loss during long-term treatment. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Methylphenidate? If Methylphenidate is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Methylphenidate with Antiseizure drugs (such as phenobarbital, Dilantin and Mysoline), Antidepressant drugs (such as Tofranil, Anafranil, Norpramin, and Effexor), Blood thinners (such as Coumadin), Clonidine (Catapres-TTS), Drugs that restore blood pressure (such as EpiPen), Guanethidine (Ismelin), MAO inhibitors (drugs such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate), or Phenylbutazone. Are there any special warnings about Methylphenidate? Your doctor will do a complete history and evaluation before prescribing Methylphenidate. He or she will take into account the severity of the symptoms, as well as your child's age. Methylphenidate should not be given to children under 6 years of age since safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been established. There is no information regarding the safety and effectiveness of long-term treatment in children. However, suppression of growth has been seen with the long-term use of stimulants, so your doctor will watch your child carefully while he or she is taking this drug. Blood pressure should be monitored in anyone taking Methylphenidate, especially those with high blood pressure. Some people have had visual disturbances such as blurred vision while being treated with this drug. The use of Methylphenidate by anyone with a seizure disorder is not recommended. Be sure your doctor is aware of any problem in this area. Caution is also advisable for anyone with a history of emotional instability or substance abuse, due to the danger of addiction. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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