Methylphenidate

What is methylphenidate?

Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin^® or Concerta^®) is a medicine used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used to treat a type of sleep disturbance called narcolepsy. Methylphenidate is available in immediate-release form as a 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablet. Methylphenidate is also available as a sustained-release 20-mg white tablet known as Ritalin SR^® and as a sustained release capsule known as Ritalin LA^® in 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mgs. In addition, Methylphenidate is available as an extended-release tablet (called Concerta^®) in the following strengths:

• 18-mg yellow tablet
• 27-mg gray tablet
• 36-mg white tablet
• 54 mg brown-red tablet

Possible side effects of methylphenidate

Early (usually within 24 hours)

• Nausea or vomiting
• Allergic reaction: including rash, itching, swelling in the face or hands, tightness in the chest, or trouble breathing

Later

• Headache
• Decreased appetite, weight loss
• Slower than normal growth
• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping
• Blurred vision
• Nervousness
• High blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Uncontrollable muscle movements or twitching
• Mood or mental changes

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call 595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.

Special instructions for methylphenidate

• Tell the doctor before you take methylphenidate if you:
  • Are being treated for depression, anxiety, tension, or agitation
  • Have repeated twitching of any part of your body
  • Have repeating of sounds or words
  • Have been diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome or a family member has
  • Have abnormal thoughts or visions, hear abnormal sounds, or have been diagnosed with psychosis
  • Have glaucoma
  • Have seizure disorder
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have a narrowing or blockage of your esophagus, stomach, or small or large intestine
  • Have taken an monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, such as phenelzine, isocarboxazid, or tranylcypromine, within the past 14 days
• Methylphenidate may be taken with or without food.
• If you forget to take a dose of methylphenidate, take the dose as soon as you can. If you miss a dose, do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
• Your height, weight, and nutrition status will be monitored every 3 months while you are taking methylphenidate.
• For children taking methylphenidate, a responsible adult should administer the medicine.
• Store methylphenidate at room temperature in a safe place.
• Tell the doctor right away if you take more methylphenidate than prescribed by the doctor.
• Methylphenidate may interact with other medicines, including:
  • phenytoin
  • phenobarbital
  • carbamazepine
  • primidone
  • MAO inhibitors
  • warfarin
  • clonidine
  • fluoxetine
  • paroxetine
  • sertraline
  • imipramine
  • desipramine
  • amytriptiline
• Concerta^® tablets should be:
  • Swallowed whole and should not be chewed, crushed or cut
  • Taken with a full glass of liquid, such as water, milk, or juice
  • Taken once each day in the morning
• Concerta^® tablets do not dissolve completely after you take them. You may notice Concerta^® tablets in your stool. This is normal.
• Ritalin SR^® tablets should be swallowed whole and should not be chewed, crushed, or cut.