Methylphenidate is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), a behavioural disorder which includes having short attention spans and being impulsive, restless, and hyperactive.
Methylphenidate is also used to manage symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness (narcolepsy).
Take Methylphenidate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different brands of Methylphenidate may be taken differently. This medicine is best taken early in the day, preferably before noon. Otherwise, it may affect your sleep at night.
Methylphenidate is available as a tablet, chewable tablet, modified-release type of capsule and/or tablet (may be labelled “IR”, “XR”, “ER”, “SR”), oral solution, or suspension.
If you are taking the modified-release type of capsule or tablet (may be labelled “IR”, “XR”, “ER”, “SR”), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the capsule or tablet.
If you are taking an oral solution or suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure out your prescribed dose.
Methylphenidate must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine it even when you feel signs of improvement. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition. Your doctor may want to reduce the dose of Methylphenidate gradually before stopping it completely.
Do not switch between different brands unless advised by your doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high blood pressure
- heart disease e.g. heart failure, irregular heartbeat, recent heart attack, chest pain
- glaucoma (an increased pressure in the eye)
- behaviour problems e.g. anxiety, tension, agitation
- thyroid disease e.g. overactive thyroid
- pheochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland)
- history of Tourette syndrome (a condition which causes repetitive, uncontrollable movements or sounds)
as Methylphenidate may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Methylphenidate if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine to treat depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxacid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of drug and alcohol abuse
- mental illnesses and mood disorders
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Methylphenidate.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. He may also need to do routine blood tests while you are being treated with Methylphenidate.
Do not switch between different brands unless advised by your doctor.
Methylphenidate may cause dizziness and blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, weight loss, decreased appetite, difficult sleeping, and excessive sweating.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fast and irregular heartbeat
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- continuous uncontrollable sounds and movements such as twitching and jerking
- having thoughts of self-harm
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Methylphenidate if you are currently taking or have taken a mood medicine to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxacid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. captopril, atenolol, amlodipine
- medicines for mental illness e.g. chlorpromazine
- medicines for depression e.g. amitriptyline
- medicines for epilepsy e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Methylphenidate.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light and moisture.
The oral suspension should be used within 4 months after opening.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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