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Ritalin and Alcohol/Food Interactions

There are 4 alcohol/food/lifestyle interactions with Ritalin (methylphenidate).

Moderate

methylphenidate food

Moderate Food Interaction

Do not use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while you are receiving treatment with methylphenidate. This may increase nervous system side effects such as drowsiness, anxiety, depression, and seizures. In addition, with certain long-acting forms of methylphenidate, alcohol can cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. High blood levels of the drug may increase the risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Major

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Major Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility

CNS stimulants - cardiac disease

The use of CNS stimulants is contraindicated in patients with significant cardiovascular impairment such as uncompensated heart failure, severe coronary disease, severe hypertension (including that associated with hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma), cardiac structural abnormalities, serious arrhythmias, etc. Sudden death has been reported in adults and children taking CNS stimulant treatment. Additionally, stroke, myocardial infarction, chest pain, syncope, arrhythmias and other symptoms have been reported in adults under treatment. A careful assessment of the cardiovascular status should be done in patients being considered for treatment. This includes family history, physical exam and further cardiac evaluation (EKG and echocardiogram). Patients who develop symptoms should have a detailed cardiac evaluation and if needed, treatment should be suspended.

References

  1. "Product Information. Fastin (phentermine)." SmithKline Beecham (2001):
  2. "Product Information. Provigil (modafinil)." Cephalon, Inc (2001):
  3. "Product Information. Dopram (doxapram)." West Ward Pharmaceutical Corporation (2001):
  4. "Product Information. Desoxyn (methamphetamine)." Abbott Pharmaceutical (2001):
  5. "Product Information. Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)." SmithKline Beecham (2001):
  6. "Product Information. Didrex (benzphetamine)." Pharmacia and Upjohn (2001):
  7. "Product Information. Tenuate (diethylpropion)." Aventis Pharmaceuticals (2001):
  8. "Product Information. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)." Mikart Inc (2001):
  9. "Product Information. Concerta (methylphenidate)." Alza (2002):
  10. "Product Information. Strattera (atomoxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2002):
  11. "Product Information. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)." Shire US Inc (2007):
  12. "Product Information. Nuvigil (armodafinil)." Cephalon Inc (2007):
  13. "Product Information. Phendimetrazine Tartrate SR (phendimetrazine)." Sandoz Inc (2012):
View all 13 references
Major

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Major Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility

CNS stimulants - hypertension

CNS stimulant medications have shown to increase blood pressure, and their use might be contraindicated in patients with severe hypertension. Caution should be used when administering to patients with preexisting high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. All patients under treatment should be regularly monitored for changes in blood pressure and heart rate.

References

  1. "Product Information. Fastin (phentermine)." SmithKline Beecham (2001):
  2. "Product Information. Provigil (modafinil)." Cephalon, Inc (2001):
  3. "Product Information. Dopram (doxapram)." West Ward Pharmaceutical Corporation (2001):
  4. "Product Information. Desoxyn (methamphetamine)." Abbott Pharmaceutical (2001):
  5. "Product Information. Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)." SmithKline Beecham (2001):
  6. "Product Information. Didrex (benzphetamine)." Pharmacia and Upjohn (2001):
  7. "Product Information. Tenuate (diethylpropion)." Aventis Pharmaceuticals (2001):
  8. "Product Information. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)." Mikart Inc (2001):
  9. "Product Information. Concerta (methylphenidate)." Alza (2002):
  10. "Product Information. Strattera (atomoxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2002):
  11. "Product Information. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)." Shire US Inc (2007):
  12. "Product Information. Nuvigil (armodafinil)." Cephalon Inc (2007):
  13. "Product Information. Phendimetrazine Tartrate SR (phendimetrazine)." Sandoz Inc (2012):
View all 13 references
Major

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Major Potential Hazard, High plausibility

methylphenidate - hypertension

Methylphenidate (racemic) and dexmethylphenidate (the more pharmacologically active d-enantiomer) exhibit sympathomimetic activity and may elevate blood pressure and pulse rate. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertension. Blood pressure should be monitored periodically during therapy.

References

  1. "Product Information. Ritalin (methylphenidate)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals (2001):
  2. "Product Information. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)." Mikart Inc (2001):

Ritalin drug interactions

There are 185 drug interactions with Ritalin (methylphenidate).

Ritalin disease interactions

There are 16 disease interactions with Ritalin (methylphenidate) which include:

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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