Author: James Anderson

Ritalin: Mild to serious side effects and how to manage them

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening.

  1. Your doctor will likely advise you to stop Ritalin treatment and recommend alternative options.
  2. From time-to-time, your doctor may stop Ritalin treatment for a while to check ADHD symptoms.
  3. You should take Ritalin only as your doctor has prescribed.
  4. The levels of these chemicals increase slowly, so your doctor will start you on the lowest possible dose and increase it in small increments, if necessary.
  5. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a personal or family history of a substance use disorder.

However, people who misuse this drug or take very high doses of Ritalin are at risk of physical dependence and addiction. Nervousness, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weight loss, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Interactions

This medication is best taken 30 to 45 minutes before a meal. However, if you have stomach upset, you may take this medication with or after a meal or snack. Taking this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia). Males who take Ritalin may experience painful and prolonged erections.

Methylphenidate (oral route)

This is because some supplements can react with methylphenidate – and cause side effects, or make your medicine work less well. This is because alcohol can increase the effects of methylphenidate and make you more likely to get side effects. Only stop taking methylphenidate if your doctor tells you to. If you suddenly stop taking it, you may get withdrawal symptoms, such as depression.

Methylphenidate and pregnancy

Examples are listed in the “What are the mild side effects of Ritalin? If you develop serious side effects while taking Ritalin, call your doctor right away. You should talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.

This wasn’t commonly reported in clinical trials of Ritalin or Ritalin LA. Some people may feel nervous, anxious, or depressed when starting Ritalin. This refers to a sudden and uncontrollable change in emotions, such as crying or irritability. If you’d like more information about how the side effects of Ritalin and Concerta compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read this article comparing the two drugs.

When you first start taking Ritalin, you might experience improved mood, and almost a sense of euphoria. This can translate to everyday physical activities being easier to accomplish. Misusing this drug can also cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Interactions with Ritalin

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Ritalin can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. If a person has numbness in the fingers or toes or changes in skin sensitivity or skin color, they should call 911 or contact their local emergency service.

Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD. Ritalin can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include headache and the risk of misuse and addiction. Once you’re on a brand of methylphenidate that works for you, you’ll usually keep taking the same brand. This is because it can be a problem to change brands, particularly if you’re taking slow release tablets or capsules. People who experience symptoms of psychotic or bipolar disorders while taking Ritalin should seek medical attention.

This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. If used for a long time, this drug may affect a child’s growth rate, weight, and final adult height. To reduce the risk, the doctor may recommend briefly stopping the medication from time to time. Check the child’s weight and height regularly, and consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental/mood changes).