Ritalin

Generic Name: methylphenidate (oral) (METH il FEN i date)
Brand Name: Concerta, Metadate, Methylin, Quillivant XR, Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Ritalin-SR

What is Ritalin?

Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.

Ritalin is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used in the treatment of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy (an uncontrollable desire to sleep). When given for attention deficit disorders, Ritalin should be an integral part of a total treatment program that may include counseling or other therapies.

Ritalin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Ritalin

You should not use Ritalin if you have glaucoma, tics or Tourette's syndrome, or severe anxiety, tension, or agitation.

Do not use Ritalin if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

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Ritalin may be habit forming. Never share methylphenidate with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Before taking Ritalin

Do not use Ritalin if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

You should not use Ritalin if you are allergic to methylphenidate or if you have:

• glaucoma;

• a personal or family history of tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette's syndrome; or

• severe anxiety, tension, or agitation (methylphenidate can make these symptoms worse).

Some stimulants have caused sudden death in children and adolescents with serious heart problems or congenital heart defects. Tell your doctor if you have a congenital heart defect.

To make sure Ritalin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a congenital heart defect;

• high blood pressure;

• angina (chest pain), heart failure, heart rhythm disorder, or recent heart attack;

• a personal or family history of mental illness, psychotic disorder, bipolar illness, depression, or suicide attempt;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• a stomach disorder; or

• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

Ritalin may be habit forming. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Ritalin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

See also: Ritalin pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

Methylphenidate can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Long-term use of Ritalin can slow a child's growth. Tell your doctor if the child using this medication is not growing or gaining weight properly.

Do not give Ritalin to a child younger than 6 years old without a doctor's advice.

How should I take Ritalin?

Take Ritalin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take Ritalin tablets at least 30 to 45 minutes before a meal. The extended-release forms of Ritalin can be taken with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release Ritalin tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking the tablet may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

You may open the extended-release capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of pudding or applesauce to make swallowing easier. Swallow right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use. Discard the empty capsule.

To prevent sleep problems, take this medication early in the day, no later than 6:00 pm.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Ritalin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Ritalin is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is later than 6:00 p.m. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of methylphenidate can be fatal.

What should I avoid while taking Ritalin?

Ritalin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Ritalin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Ritalin: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking Ritalin and call your doctor at once if you have:

• new or worsening symptoms such as mood swings, aggression, hostility, or changes in personality or behavior;

• panic, delusion, extreme fear, hallucinations, unusual behavior, motor tics (muscle twitches);

• chest pain, fast or slow heart rate, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;

• easy bruising, purple spots on your skin;

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or

• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

Common Ritalin side effects may include:

• feeling nervous or irritable, sleep problems (insomnia);

• loss of appetite, weight loss;

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness; or

• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Ritalin side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Ritalin?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Ritalin, especially:

• clonidine;

• guanethidine;

• a blood thinner such as warfarin, Coumadin;

• an antidepressant--amitriptyline, citalopram, doxepin, fluoxetine, nortriptyline, paroxetine, sertraline, and others;

• cold or allergy medicine that contains a decongestant;

• medications to treat high or low blood pressure;

• seizure medicine--phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone; or

• stimulant medications or diet pills.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Ritalin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Ritalin.