Ritalin - Methylphenidate - Oral Brand Drug

General Information

• Below is miscellaneous information regarding Ritalin.
• Ritalin
• meth-ill-FEN-eh-date

Possible Side Effects

• Loss of appetite, blurred vision, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, dry mouth, stomach upset, sleeplessness, irritability or constipation may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication.
• If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor.
• Notify your doctor if you experience.

Read Before Using Ritalin (precautions)

• Tell your doctor your medical history, especially.

What To Do In Case Of Missed Dose

• If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered and take any remaining doses at evenly spaced times.
• If it is near bedtime or near time for the next dose, skip that dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Warning

• Methylphenidate should be given cautiously to emotionally unstable patients such as those with a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
• Such patients may be more likely to increase their doses unnecessarily.
• Abuse of this medication can lead to abnormal behavior.
• If methylphenidate must be stopped, it should be stopped gradually over time.
• Do not suddenly stop this medication because severe depression or hidden overactivity may occur.
• In some people, long-term monitoring may be required after the medication is stopped.

Drug Compatibility Recommendations

• Certain medications taken with this drug could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions.
• Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (for example, furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or after treatment with this medication.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription drugs you may use, especially.

Ritalin Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight.
• Do not store in the bathroom.

Medicinal Applications

• Methylphenidate increases mental alertness.
• It is used in those who have problems staying awake (narcolepsy) and for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Overdose

• If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
• Symptoms of overdose may include dilated pupils, vomiting, nervousness, twitching, tremors, flushing, sweating, severe or persistent headache, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Other Medicinal Applications

• This medication may also be used for treating depression in certain cases.

Usage Instructions

• This medication is best taken 30 to 45 minutes before a meal or take as directed by your doctor.
• Dosage depends on your condition and response to this medication.
• If loss of appetite occurs or if you experience stomach upset, it may be taken with or after meals or a snack.
• Use this medication exactly as prescribed.
• Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming.
• Also, if used for a long period of time, do not suddenly stop using this without first consulting your doctor.
• When used for extended periods, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing.
• Consult your doctor if the medication isn't working well.

Ritalin Miscellaneous Notes

• Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.