Author: James Anderson

Ritalin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings

Methylphenidate will not affect any type of contraception. This includes the combined pill, progestogen-only pill or emergency contraception. Apart from alcohol, there’s no particular food or drink you need to be careful with when taking methylphenidate. Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking methylphenidate.

Warnings

Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants.

Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. There are different brands and forms of this medication available. Do not change brands or forms without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially trouble sleeping, weight loss, or chest pain. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

What are the effects of Ritalin?

Stimulants can also raise your body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. That’s usually not a problem in the short term, but you should have regular exams to check your heart rate and blood pressure. Stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a heart defect.

  1. A doctor may recommend adjusting the dosage or changing to a different treatment.
  2. If you’re already prone to anxiety or agitation, or have an existing psychotic disorder, Ritalin may worsen these symptoms.
  3. However, people who misuse this drug or take very high doses of Ritalin are at risk of physical dependence and addiction.

How to cope with the side effects of methylphenidate

It can also lead them to feel overconfident and remove inhibitions, which could lead to risky behavior. The package insert for methylphenidate provides information covering every aspect of the drug’s use. Methylphenidate is prone to misuse, just like other stimulants. There is limited information about the safety of Ritalin use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Ritalin may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. For details, see the prescribing information for Ritalin and Ritalin LA.

If this applies to you, your doctor may recommend other ADHD medicines, such as dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine and atomoxetine. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor every year about taking methylphenidate. That way, you can check how you are getting on with it and whether you still need it. Your doctor may recommend stopping methylphenidate for a while, or reducing the dose.

Ritalin is one of the common treatment options used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Your child’s height and weight may need to be checked often. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate.

As a result, drinking alcohol while taking Ritalin could make it hard to tell whether Ritalin is working for your condition. Likewise, taking Ritalin could make it hard to know the amount of alcohol you’ve consumed. Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Ritalin affects you.

Symptoms of overdose

Safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 6 years of age. This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription. Do not use medications containing dexmethylphenidate while using methylphenidate.

If you take a large dose, the quick rise in dopamine can produce a temporary feeling of euphoria. If you’re already prone to anxiety or agitation, or have an existing psychotic disorder, Ritalin may worsen these symptoms. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects pleasure, movement, and attention span. Even if you take Ritalin correctly and don’t misuse it, it can carry the risk for side effects. Find out more about the various symptoms and side effects that you might be at risk for while using Ritalin.

Ritalin and Concerta both contain the same active ingredient (methylphenidate). They also have the same mild side effects, such as decreased appetite, nausea, and nervousness. Serious side effects of both drugs include heart problems, mental health problems, and temporarily delayed growth in children. You should take Ritalin only as your doctor has prescribed. Misuse raises the risk of overdose, which can lead to trouble breathing, coma, and even death. To learn more about this risk, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage

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.