Generic name: Methylphenidate Chewable Tablets
Brand name: Methylin
Drug class: CNS stimulants
Warning
This medication has a risk of abuse and misuse. Use methylphenidate chewable tablets only as directed by your doctor. Inform your doctor if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction.
Uses of Methylphenidate Chewable Tablets:
Treatment of attention deficit problems with hyperactivity
Treatment of narcolepsy
May be prescribed for other reasons – consult with your doctor
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Methylphenidate Chewable Tablets?
Inform your doctor if:
You are allergic to methylphenidate or any other component of this medication
You have glaucoma, agitation, anxiety, or overactive thyroid
You or a family member have blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, heart structure problems or other heart problems, or Tourette’s syndrome or tics
You have had a stroke in the past
You have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinson’s disease in the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline
You are taking linezolid or methylene blue
You have trouble swallowing
Note that this is not a complete list of all drugs or health problems that may interact with methylphenidate chewable tablets. Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health issues. Do not change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Methylphenidate Chewable Tablets?
While taking methylphenidate chewable tablets:
Inform all healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists
Avoid driving or performing tasks that require alertness until you know how the medication affects you
Call your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as fast, slow, or abnormal heartbeat; weakness on one side of the body; trouble speaking or thinking; change in balance; drooping on one side of the face; change in eyesight; chest pain or pressure; shortness of breath; or severe dizziness or passing out
You may need to undergo heart tests before starting this medication
Check your blood pressure and heart rate as directed by your doctor
This medication may increase the risk of seizures in some people
Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication
If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), consult with your doctor as some products contain phenylalanine
Serotonin syndrome may occur if you take this medication with certain other drugs – call your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations, fever, fast or abnormal heartbeat, flushing, muscle twitching or stiffness, seizures, shivering or shaking, sweating a lot, severe diarrhea, upset stomach, or vomiting, or severe headache
This medication may affect growth in children and teens in some cases – they may require regular growth checks
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
How is this medicine (Methylphenidate Chewable Tablets) best taken?
Follow your doctor’s instructions and read all information provided before taking methylphenidate chewable tablets. Some guidelines include:
Take 30 to 45 minutes before meals
Chew well before swallowing
Take with a full glass of water
If taking more than once a day, take the last dose before 6 PM
If the medication stops working well, do not take more than prescribed – call your doctor
Avoid consuming caffeine and chocolate while taking this medication
Have your blood work checked regularly if taking this medication for an extended period
If you have high blood pressure, consult with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure, such as cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or similar products, and some natural products or aids
