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Generic Name: methylphenidate (meth il FEN i date)
Brand Names: Concerta, Metadate CD, Metadate ER, Methylin, Methylin ER, Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Ritalin-SR
Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Ritalin is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy.
| What is the most important information I should know about Ritalin? |
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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ritalin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision , or impair your ability to concentrate. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or impaired concentration, avoid these activities. |
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Do not crush, chew, or break the sustained- or extended-release formulations of methylphenidate (Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA, Metadate ER, Metadate CD, Methylin ER, Concerta). Swallow these whole with water or another beverage. They are specially formulated to release medication slowly in the body. Alternatively, the Ritalin LA and Metadate CD capsules may be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a tablespoon of applesauce (not warm), and the mixture swallowed immediately. Do not save the mixture for later use. The capsule contents should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed. |
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Ritalin is a mild stimulant to the central nervous system (brain and nerves). The exact way that Ritalin works is unknown. |
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Ritalin is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy. |
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Ritalin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. |
| What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ritalin? |
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Do not take Ritalin if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. |
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Do not take Ritalin without first talking to your doctor if you have |
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severe tension, agitation, or anxiety; |
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motor tics or have been diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome; |
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a psychotic condition such as schizophrenia; |
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epilepsy or another seizure disorder; |
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high blood pressure (hypertension); |
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a history of alcohol or drug abuse; or |
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a narrowing or blockage of your gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, or intestines). |
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You may not be able to take Ritalin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. |
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The use of Ritalin in children may cause suppression of growth. Growth should be monitored during treatment and children who are not growing or gaining weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted. Talk to your doctor if you have questions. |
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Ritalin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Ritalin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Ritalin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. |
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It is not known whether Ritalin passes into breast milk. Do not take Ritalin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
| How should I take Ritalin? |
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Take Ritalin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you. |
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Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Taking this product without adequate liquid may cause it to swell and could lead to choking. |
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Take each dose of Ritalin or Methylin 30 to 45 minutes before a meal. |
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Chew the chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing. |
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The sustained-release forms of methylphenidate (Ritalin-SR, Metadate ER, Metadate CD, Methylin ER, Concerta) can be taken with or without food. |
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Do not crush, chew, or break the sustained- or extended-release formulations of methylphenidate (Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA, Metadate ER, Metadate CD, Methylin ER, Concerta). Swallow these whole with water or another beverage. They are specially formulated to release medication slowly in the body. Alternatively, the Ritalin LA and Metadate CD capsules may be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a tablespoon of applesauce (not warm), and the mixture swallowed immediately. Do not save the mixture for later use. The capsule contents should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed. |
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If you are taking Concerta, do not be alarmed if you see in your stool what looks like a tablet. This is the outer shell of the tablet, the medication has been absorbed by your body. |
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Store Ritalin at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
| What happens if I miss a dose? |
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly schedule dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Do not take a double dose of this medication. |
| What happens if I overdose? |
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Seek emergency medical attention. |
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Symptoms of a Ritalin overdose include agitation, tremors (shaking), muscle twitches, seizures, confusion, hallucinations, sweating, flushing, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, large pupils, and dryness of the mouth and eyes. |
| What should I avoid while taking Ritalin? |
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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ritalin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or impair your ability to concentrate. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or impaired concentration, avoid these activities. |
| What are the possible side effects of Ritalin? |
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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Ritalin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately: |
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); |
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an irregular or fast heartbeat; |
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chest pains or very high blood pressure (blurred vision, severe headache, flushing); |
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unusual behavior or confusion; or |
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liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue). |
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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Ritalin and talk to your doctor if you experience |
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insomnia (difficulty sleeping); |
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tics (repetitive movements); |
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abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting; |
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decreased appetite or weight loss; or |
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slower weight gain and/or growth. |
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Ritalin may cause drug dependence. |
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Ritalin may cause drug dependence. |
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. |
| What other drugs will affect Ritalin? |
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Do not take Ritalin if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. |
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Before taking Ritalin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: |
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phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); |
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a tricyclic antidepressant such as nortriptyline (Pamelor), amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), doxepin (Sinequan), desipramine (Norpramin), clomipramine (Anafranil), or imipramine (Tofranil); |
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a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor such as fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft); |
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clonidine (Catapres); or |
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guanethidine (Ismelin). |
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You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Ritalin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products. |
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