Women's Health

Methylphenidate Oral Tablet (METHYLPHENIDATE - ORAL)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
  • narcolepsy

Brand Name(s): Ritalin

Generic Name: Methylphenidate

Instructions

Take the medicine 30 minutes before a meal.

Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.

You may take with food to prevent stomach upset.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

If you need to stop this medicine, your doctor may wish to gradually reduce the dosage before stopping.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

This medicine can be habit-forming. If you use this medicine regularly for a long time, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop. Please use this medicine only as directed.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems, heart attack, and stroke. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

If you have a painful erection or an erection for more than 4 hours, seek medical care right away.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • decreased appetite
  • dizziness
  • headaches
  • high blood pressure
  • irritability
  • nausea and vomiting
  • nervousness
  • weight loss

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • change in behavior
  • chest or jaw pain
  • fainting
  • pale, blue or cold fingers, toes or nails
  • sores or blisters on hands or feet
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • mood changes
  • uncontrollable movement of face, tongue, arms or legs
  • seizures
  • shakiness
  • shortness of breath
  • symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
  • suicidal thoughts
  • blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.