Methylphenidate Description

Generic Name : METHYLPHENIDATE

Pronunciation : (meth ill fen' i date)

Trade Name(s) : Retalin

Why it is prescribed: Methylphenidate is used to treat some behaviour disorders in children. It is also used to treat narcolepsy (uncontrolled desire for sleep) and mild depression.

When it is to be taken: Children usually take methylphenidate twice a day, before breakfast and lunch. Adults with narcolepsy usually take it two or three times a day, 30 to 45 minutes before meals. Follow the instructions on the prescription label carefully. The last dose of the day should be taken at least several hours before bedtime because the drug can cause sleeplessness.

How it should be taken: Methylphenidate comes in the form of regular tablets and extended-release, long-acting tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Do not take more of it or take it more often than as prescribed; Methylphenidate can be habit-forming.

Special Instruction :
1. If your condition worsens, contact your doctor. Your dose may need to be changed. Do not stop taking this drug without consulting your doctor, especially if you have been taking it for a long time.
2. Methylphenidate may cause dizziness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how it affects you.
3. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You may have blood tests periodically, especially if you take the drug for a long time.
4. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. Take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals, but avoid taking it at or near bedtime. If you remember a missed dose near the time you are scheduled to take the next one, take only the regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Nervousness, difficulty sleeping. Contact your doctor if these effects are severe or bothersome.
2. Skin rash, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, heart palpitations, fever, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. If you have epilepsy, a history of seizures, glaucoma, high blood pressure, severe anxiety, alcoholism, drug dependence, or mental illness, tell your doctor before you take methylphenidate.
2. Before you take methylphenidate, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially anticoagulants and medications for seizures, mental depression, or high blood pressure.
3. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature, away from heat and light.