METHYLPHENIDATE ER

Drug Name: METHYLPHENIDATE ER

METHYLPHENIDATE ER DESCRIPTION:
METHYLPHENIDATE - ORAL SUSTAINED ACTION (meth-ill-FEN-eh-date)

COMMON METHYLPHENIDATE ER BRAND NAME(S):
Ritalin-SR

METHYLPHENIDATE ER SIDE EFFECTS:
Loss of appetite, blurred vision, dizziness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, stomach upset, sleeplessness, irritability or constipation may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience weight loss, chest pain, nervousness, pounding heart, difficulty urinating, mood changes or yellowing eyes and skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE METHYLPHENIDATE ER:
METHYLPHENIDATE ER: METHYLPHENIDATE ER must be swallowed whole. Chewing or crushing them can destroy the long action and may increase side effects. METHYLPHENIDATE ER is best taken 30-45 minutes before meals. If loss of appetite or stomach upset occurs. It may be taken with or after a meal or snack. Use METHYLPHENIDATE ER exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because METHYLPHENIDATE ER can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a long period of time , do not suddenly stop using this without first consulting your doctor. When used for extended periods, METHYLPHENIDATE ER may not work as well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if the medication isn't working well.

METHYLPHENIDATE ER WARNING:
Methylphenidate should be given cautiously to emotionally unstable patients such as those with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Such patients may be more likely to increase their doses unnecessarily. Abuse of METHYLPHENIDATE ER can lead to abnormal behavior. If methylphenidate must be stopped, it should be stopped gradually over time. Do not suddenly stop METHYLPHENIDATE ER because severe depression or hidden overactivity may occur. In some people, long-term monitoring may be required after the medication is stopped.

METHYLPHENIDATE ER USES:
METHYLPHENIDATE ER increases mental alertness. It is used in the treatment of narcolepsy (problems staying awake). It is also used in treatment of hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder. Additionally it is used for treating depression in senile, post-stroke and cancer patients.

METHYLPHENIDATE ER PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of seizures or motor tics, Tourette's disorder, glaucoma, high blood pressure, severe anxiety, alcoholism, drug dependence, mental conditions and of any allergies. If METHYLPHENIDATE ER makes you dizzy or lightheaded, use caution driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Methylphenidate should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if methylphenidate is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

METHYLPHENIDATE ER DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Before you take methylphenidate, tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking especially anticoagulants ("blood thinners") and medications for seizures, depression or high blood pressure. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

METHYLPHENIDATE ER OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dilated pupils, vomiting, nervousness, twitching, tremors, flushing, sweating, headache, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

METHYLPHENIDATE ER NOTES:
Do not allow anyone else to take METHYLPHENIDATE ER.

MISSED METHYLPHENIDATE ER DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced times. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

METHYLPHENIDATE ER STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.