Have you ever felt like it was really hard to focus on one thing and stay calm in one place? This is especially true for our young children. This challenge is even greater when living with ADHD , which means Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. So, a special medicine that doctors prescribe to help with this is called Dexmethylphenidate . Today, we will talk about this medicine in a very simple way, in a way that you can understand.
What is Dexmethylphenidate?
Simply put, dexmethylphenidate is a medication used to treat ADHD. It works by stimulating brain activity , increasing attention span and reducing impulsive behavior. It belongs to a class of drugs called stimulants .
You can often find this medication in pharmacies under the brand name Focalin . However, the doctor will prescribe the active ingredient, dexmethylphenidate. This helps a child focus better on schoolwork and daily tasks.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before you or your child starts this medicine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete explanation. Like a detective, your doctor needs to know everything about your body to ensure your safety. If you or anyone in your family has any of the conditions listed in the table below, be sure to tell them about it.
| A situation you or someone in your family has | Why do you need to tell the doctor about this? |
|---|---|
| A history of heart disease, congenital heart defects, high blood pressure, or stroke | This medication can sometimes slightly increase heart rate and blood pressure, so people with heart disease should be very careful when using it. |
| Circulatory problems in the hands and feet | This medication can sometimes reduce blood flow to the fingers, so if you already have such a problem, it is important to inform your doctor . |
| Any mental health problem (e.g. depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder) | This medication can change the symptoms of some mental conditions, so it's important for your doctor to know the full picture. |
| If you or someone in your family has had suicidal thoughts | This is very sensitive, but extremely important information. Informing the doctor about this can ensure your safety. |
| A history of drug or alcohol addiction | Since this is a stimulant drug, you should be aware of the risk of addiction. So talk to your doctor honestly about this. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | This is important to know if you are allergic to dexmethylphenidate or any of its ingredients. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | It is essential to discuss the safety of this medication with your doctor during pregnancy and breastfeeding. |
How should I use the medicine?
This is very simple, but very important. Just as the doctor says, take the right dose at the right time.
- How to take: Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
- Time:Try to take it at the same time every day. Once you make this a habit, you won't forget.
- Food: You can take it before or after a meal. It doesn't make much difference.
- Nighttime dose: Most doctors will tell you to take your last dose of the day at least 4 to 6 hours before you go to bed . This is because it is a stimulant, so taking it too close to bedtime can interfere with your ability to fall asleep at night.
- Dosage: Never take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor.
Remember, this medicine is for you only. Do not give this medicine to a friend who has the same symptoms as you. It can be dangerous.
When given to children?
This medicine is prescribed even for children over 6 years of age. But there are special precautions. The doctor will regularly check the child's weight and height.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
Oh, sometimes you forget to take your medicine, right? If that happens, take that dose as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once for any reason.
What if you suddenly drink too much? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much medicine by mistake, don't delay . Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, traditional medicines, vitamins , and even herbs . Some medications can interact with dexmethylphenidate and cause dangerous side effects.
| Do not take this medicine with any other medicine! | |
|---|---|
| MAOI type medication | These are older medications used to treat some mental illnesses. Examples: Marplan, Nardil, Parnate. Taking these with dexmethylphenidate can cause high blood pressure and can even be life-threatening. |
| Ozanimod | This is a medicine given for other medical conditions. Taking these two together can also cause dangerous reactions. |
| Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking this medication. | |
| Medicines for blood pressure and heart disease | This may affect the effectiveness of these medications. |
| Medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses | Taking certain medications together can cause a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome. |
| Linezolid, Methylene blue | These are substances used for antibiotics and other medical purposes. |
| Painkillers (Opioids) | Dangerous reactions can occur between these two types of medication. |
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
It's not all over once you start taking the medication. It's important to pay attention to any changes in your body.
Scheduled doctor check-up
Be sure to go back on the day your doctor tells you to. It will help you see if the medicine is working, if the dosage needs to be changed, and if there are any side effects .
Risk of drug addiction
Because it is a stimulant, the body can become somewhat dependent on it when used for a long time. There is also a risk of addiction if used incorrectly. That is whyThe doctor says never to take more than the prescribed dose. Sometimes the doctor will tell you to stop taking the medicine for a while on weekends or during school holidays . We call this 'drug holidays'. This gives the body a little break from the medicine.
Appetite and weight control
It is normal to feel a little hungry when you first start taking the medicine. The best solution is to eat small meals several times a day, rather than eating a lot at once. It is especially important to monitor the height and weight of children when giving this medicine. If the hunger persists, tell your doctor.
Effects on fingers
Some people may experience tingling, pain, and sensitivity to cold in their fingers and toes while taking this medicine. Sometimes the color of the fingers may change from white to blue, then to red. This is called Raynaud's syndrome. If you also experience sores, discoloration, or pain in your fingers, tell your doctor immediately.
Special occasions
If you are going to have surgery, an MRI, or a CT scan, you should tell the medical team that you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking the medicine for a few days before the procedure .
Be aware of side effects
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. But don't be afraid. The most important thing is to be aware of these. Let's break them down into two parts.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately or go to the ETU. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Chest pain, tightness, difficulty breathing, nausea, sweating. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Intense anger, anxiety, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, agitation. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, or walking. |
| For men: a prolonged, painful erection | If you have painful erections that last more than 4 hours, it is an emergency. Go to the ETU immediately. |
| These are usually not dangerous, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Dry mouth | Headache |
| Loss of appetite and weight loss | Stomach ache |
| Difficulty falling asleep | Nausea |
How do you keep your medicine safe?
This is also very important.
- Keep out of reach of children: Never leave this medicine where children and pets can get hold of it. It can be very harmful to them. It is best to keep it in a well-locked cupboard.
- Keep it in a safe place: As this is a drug that can be misused, protect it from theft.
- Storage: Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius), away from light and moisture.
- Discard:Properly dispose of expired or unwanted medications. Before throwing them in the trash, mix the pills with something like coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put them in a bag or container, seal it well, and throw them away. If you are unsure about this, ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Dexmethylphenidate is an effective medication for ADHD, but it should only be used under the guidance of a doctor.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Take the dose exactly as your doctor tells you, at the exact time. Never take more than the recommended dose or share it with others.
- If serious side effects occur (chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe mental changes), seek medical advice immediately.
- Always keep medicines in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets.
- It is essential to meet with the doctor on the scheduled date and discuss the results of the medication.
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