Generic Name and Brand Names
Generic name: Methylphenidate Tablets [meth-il-FEN-i-date]
Brand names: Methylin, Ritalin
Drug class: CNS stimulants
Warning
This medicine has a risk of abuse and misuse. Use this medicine (methylphenidate tablets) only as you were told by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have ever abused or been addicted to any drugs or alcohol.
Uses of Methylphenidate Tablets
It is used to treat attention deficit problems with hyperactivity.
It is used to treat narcolepsy.
It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Methylphenidate Tablets?
You should tell your doctor if:
You have an allergy to methylphenidate or any other part of this medicine (methylphenidate tablets).
You are allergic to this medicine (methylphenidate tablets); any part of this medicine (methylphenidate tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
You have any of these health problems: Glaucoma, agitation, anxiety, or overactive thyroid.
You or a family member have any of these health problems: Blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, heart structure problems or other heart problems, or Tourette’s syndrome or tics.
You have ever had a stroke.
You have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinson’s disease in the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. Very high blood pressure may happen.
You are taking any of these drugs: Linezolid or methylene blue.
This is not a complete list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (methylphenidate tablets). Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (methylphenidate tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Methylphenidate Tablets?
You should:
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (methylphenidate tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this medicine (methylphenidate tablets) affects you.
Check blood pressure and heart rate as the doctor has told you.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine (methylphenidate tablets).
Talk to your doctor to see if you have a greater chance of seizures while taking this medicine (methylphenidate tablets).
Have your blood work checked if you are on this medicine (methylphenidate tablets) for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
If you miss a dose, use a missed dose as soon as you think about it. Do not take this medicine (methylphenidate tablets) after 6 PM. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
You should call your doctor right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
Signs of an allergic reaction
Signs of high blood pressure
Signs of liver problems
Joint pain
Purple patches on the skin or mouth
Change in eyesight
Seizures
Shakiness
Trouble controlling body movements
Sweating
