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ADHD Health Library Updated videos and information on ADD/ADHD brought to you by Healthology.
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When
a high school student lacks the motivation to complete his schoolwork, we need
to look not only at him but at the reasons behind the lack of motivation.
Self-esteem issues can plague individuals with ADHD. There are many causes but there is help.
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Medication Fact Sheets
Methylphenidate
Please note that this is a prescription medication. It can only be prescribed by a doctor. All medications should be taken only under the advice of a doctor and should be monitored closely by your physician.
All medication for ADHD should be used as part of an overall treatment plan. This plan may contain social skills training, educational assistance and psychological treatment.
The information provided here contains some basic information that you can discuss with your physician.
PLEASE KEEP ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. PLACE THEM IN A CABINET WHICH CAN NOT BE REACHED BY A CHAIR OR BY CLIMBING. MEDICATIONS SHOULD BE KEPT LOCKED UP WHEN CHILDREN ARE IN THE HOME.
Description:
This medication is commonly used to treat both ADHD and Narcolepsy. Patients indicate an increase in attention and a decrease in restlessness/hyperactivity. This medication stimulates the Central Nervous System.
Those with additional mental disorders should speak with their physician about their conditions prior to beginning this medication. It may not be the correct medication for those with addtional diagnoses.
This medication is considered a controlled substance and is only available by prescription. Refills are not available and a new prescription must be obtained each month from your physician.
Common Names: Ritalin SR, PMS-Methylphenidate, Riphenidate, Concerta (Extended release), Metadate
Side Effects:
Please note the following side effects are the most common side effects. Each person may or may not experience any or all of the following. Many times side effects will disappear within a few weeks of beginning medication. If they do not, you should contact your physician. If side effects seem severe, you should contact your physician immediately.
 | Loss of Appetite
| Trouble sleeping
| Stomach Pain
| Rapid Heartbeat (Contact your doctor immediately)
| Possible slow growth pattern
| Dizziness, Drowsiness or changes in vision. Do not operate machinery until
you know how this medication affects you. | |
Warnings and Precautions:
This medication can cause interactions with other medications. You should notify your doctor if you are taking any other medication or supplement. The following drugs are known to have possible interactions:
| Amantadine (e.g., Symmetrel)
| Amphetamines
| Appetite suppressants (diet pills)
| Bupropion (e.g., Wellbutrin, Zyban)
| Chlophedianol (e.g., Ulone)
| Cocaine or
| Medicine for asthma or other breathing problems or
| Medicine for colds, sinus problems, hay fever or other allergies
(including nose drops or sprays)
| Nabilone (e.g., Cesamet)
| Pemoline (e.g., Cylert)—Using these medicines with methylphenidate may
cause severe nervousness, irritability, trouble in sleeping, or possibly
irregular heartbeat or seizures
| MAO inhibitors *CAUTION* Taking an MAO inhibitor with methylphenidate can
cause high blood pressure and severe convulsions. You should wait at least
14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before beginning this medication.
| Pimozide-Prior to using Pimozide for treatment of tics, it should be
determined if the tics are caused by the medication. | |
If you have any of the following conditions, you should notify your physician before beginning this medication:
| Alcohol or Drug Abuse or history of either
| Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
| Tourette's Syndrome
| Glaucoma
| High Blood Pressure
| Psychiatric conditions
| Tics | |
Precautions:
Do not operate machinery until you are sure of how this medication affects you.
Regular visits to the doctor are recommended. Weight and height checks should be done on a regular basis.
If you wish to discontinue taking this medication, talk with your doctor first to determine if you should gradually reduce the amount of medication.
Some signs of mental and/or physical dependency include:
| A desire or need to continue taking this medication. |
| A need to increase the dose to receive the same effects of the medication. |
| Withdrawal side effects such as mental depression, unusual tiredness or weakness if medication is stopped. |
Other Information:
If you should miss a dose, it is recommended that you continue on your regular schedule and skip the dose. Do not double up on the next dose. If you miss a dose and realize within one hour, it may be possible to take the missed dose. Speak with your physician if you should have any questions about what to do when you miss a dose.
Keep this medication away from direct light and heat sources. Do not store in a bathroom where it may be exposed to moisture and heat. Be sure to discard any medication past it's due date.
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