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Ritalin
METHYLPHENIDATE
This medicine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to
treat narcolepsy (sudden and uncontrollable attacks of drowsiness
and sleep) and attention-deficit disOrders. It may also be used
to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Cautions:
DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed
without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without
first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS
while you are using this medicine. DO NOT DRIVE , OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO
ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this
medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol
may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous
tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter,
check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT,
discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during
pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU
ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with
your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby
Side Effects:
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include decreased appetite
(more severe in children), stomach upset, difficulty falling asleep, headache,
nervousness, or dizziness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with
your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience
a rash, itching, fever, joint pain, weight loss, irregular heartbeat, vision
changes or blurred vision, seizures, involuntary muscle movements, or changes
in mood or personality. If you notice any other effects, contact your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.
Directions:
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. CHILDREN:
Take your dose exactly at the times indicated by your doctor. ADULTS: Take
your dose 30 to 45 minutes before meals or as directed by your doctor. TO
PREVENT THIS MEDICINE FROM AFFECTING SLEEP: try not to take a dose later
than 6 pm. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light.
IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. Take the
remaining doses for the day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take 2 doses
at once.
Before Using:
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 medicine
can lead to abnormal behavior. If methylphenidate must be stopped, it should
be stopped gradually over time. Do not suddenly stop this medicine because
severe depression or hidden overactivity may occur. In some people, long-term
monitoring may be required after the medicine is stopped. Some medicines
or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR
OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you
are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking a MAO inhibitor
(e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline,
isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine). DO NOT take MAO inhibitors within 2 weeks
before or after treatment with this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR
DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking guanadrel or guanethidine.
Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy,
or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have anxiety,
tension, agitation, glaucoma, motor tics, or a history of Tourette's syndrome.
Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about
using this medicine.
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.
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