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Brand Name: Ritalin, Ritalin-SR
Generic Name: Methylphenidate
(meth il fen' i date)
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Important Warning: Ritalin (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.
Why is ritalin prescribed?
Ritalin (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.
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How should ritalin be used properly?
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) 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 (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 is usually taken once a day, in the morning, with or without food. However, the extended-release capsule is usually 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 ritalin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ritalin 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.
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What are the common uses for ritalin?
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is also 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.
Ritalin is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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What special precautions should I follow when using ritalin?
Before taking methylphenidate,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to methylphenidate or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate), even if you stopped taking them in the last 2 weeks; anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin); medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil), impramine (Tofranil), and desipramine (Norpramin); guanethidine (Ismelin); medications for epilepsy such as phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), and primidone(Mysoline); and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had severe anxiety, tension, or agitation; glaucoma; motor tics or spasms; a history or family history of Tourette's syndrome; seizures; high blood pressure; or mental illness.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking methylphenidate, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking methylphenidate.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
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What should I do if I forget a dose of ritalin?
You should take the missed dose of ritalin just as soon as you remember to take it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals, but do not take a dose at or near bedtime. Unless, it is almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose of your medication to make up for a missed one.
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What side effects can ritalin cause?
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:
- difficulty falling alseep or staying asleep
- loss of appetite
- upset stomach
- nervousness
- drowsiness
- headache
- dizziness
- vomiting
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- seizures or convulsions
- blurred vision
- sore throat
- skin rash
- agitation
- fever
» top What storage conditions are needed for ritalin?
Always keep the ritalin in the same container it came in. Make sure it is tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture; do not store this medication in the bathroom.
Always be sure to dispose of any medication that is no longer needed or outdated. Be sure to ask your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
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What do I do in case of emergency or a ritalin overdose?
In case of an ritalin overdose, be sure to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim is not breathing or has collapsed, dial 911 for local emergency services.
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What other information should I know about ritalin?
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.
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only; please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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