Methylphenidate
Brand names
- Concerta
- PMS-Methylphenidate
- Riphenidate
- Ritalin
- Ritalin-SR
Usage
To treat attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD). It is also used to
treat narcolepsy.
How it works
Methylphenidate is thought
to stimulate the release of
norepinephrine, a natural
hormone that promotes the
transmission of nerve impulses
in the brain. It works by
decreasing restlessness and
increasing attention in adults
and children who cannot
concentrate for very long,
are easily distracted, or are
unusually impulsive.
Side effects
- Serious
- Fast heartbeat, unusual bleeding or
bruising, chest pain,
fever, joint pain, increased heartbeat, skin
rash or hives,
uncontrolled body movements, blurred vision or other
vision changes, seizures, sore throat and fever, unusual
fatigue,
weight loss,
mood or mental changes. Get medical
help right away.
- Common
- Loss of appetite,
insomnia, nervousness.
- Less common
- Dizziness,
stomach pain, drowsiness,
nausea,
headache.
Possible interactions
- Other medicaments:
Methylphenidate may increase the effects of:
- tricyclic antidepressants and enhance their toxic effects.
Methylphenidate may decrease the effects of:
- guanethidine (Ismelin) and impair its ability to lower
blood pressure.
Methylphenidate taken concurrently with:
- anticonvulsants may cause a significant change in the pattern of epileptic
seizures; dose adjustments may be necessary for proper control.
- monoamine oxidase (MAO) type A inhibitors may cause
a significant rise in blood pressure; avoid the concurrent use of these
medicaments.
- morphine may be used to great therapeutic benefit to increase alertness,
especially if high doses of morphine must be used.
- tricyclic antidepressants may result in undesirable increases in blood pressure.
- Herbal medicines or minerals:
- Using St. John's wort,
guarana,
ma huang or kola
while taking this medicine may result in unacceptable central nervous system stimulation.
- Alcohol:
- Avoid beer, Chianti wines and vermouth (may have high tyramine contents).
- Discontinuation:
- If the medicament has been taken for a long time, do not stop it
abruptly. Talk to your doctor about how to slowly decrease doses.
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