METHYLPHENIDATE HCL

Drug Name: METHYLPHENIDATE HCL

METHYLPHENIDATE HCL DESCRIPTION:
METHYLPHENIDATE - ORAL (meth-ill-FEN-eh-date)

COMMON METHYLPHENIDATE HCL BRAND NAME(S):
Ritalin

METHYLPHENIDATE HCL 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, 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, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE METHYLPHENIDATE HCL:
METHYLPHENIDATE HCL: METHYLPHENIDATE HCL is best taken 30 to 45 minutes before a meal or take as directed by your doctor. Dosage depends on your condition and response to METHYLPHENIDATE HCL. If loss of appetite occurs or if you experience stomach upset, it may be taken with or after meals or a snack. Use METHYLPHENIDATE HCL 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 HCL 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 HCL may not work as well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if the medication isn't working well.

METHYLPHENIDATE HCL 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 HCL can lead to abnormal behavior. If methylphenidate must be stopped, it should be stopped gradually over time. Do not suddenly stop METHYLPHENIDATE HCL because severe depression or hidden overactivity may occur. In some people, long-term monitoring may be required after the medication is stopped.

METHYLPHENIDATE HCL USES:
Methyphenidate increases mental alertness. It is used in those who have problems staying awake (narcolepsy) and for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

OTHER USES OF METHYLPHENIDATE HCL:
METHYLPHENIDATE HCL may also be used for treating depression in certain cases.

METHYLPHENIDATE HCL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: seizures or motor tics, Tourette's disorder, glaucoma, high blood pressure, severe anxiety, alcoholism, drug dependence, mental conditions, any allergies. If METHYLPHENIDATE HCL 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 HCL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription drugs you may use, especially: anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin); MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, linezolid, tranylcypromine); medications for seizures; medicine for depression (tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline); high blood pressure medicine (e.g., guanethidine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

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

MISSED METHYLPHENIDATE HCL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered and take any remaining doses at evenly spaced times. If it is near bedtime or near time for the next dose, skip that dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

METHYLPHENIDATE HCL 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.