Does your child have difficulty sitting still, studying, or concentrating on work? Or do you, as an adult, find it difficult to concentrate on your work? The cause of such problems may be a condition called ADHD. So, one of the main medications given for this is methylphenidate. Today we are talking about these chewable methylphenidate tablets. In this article, we are going to answer all the questions you have about this medication.
Simply put, what is methylphenidate?
Methylphenidate is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD . Simply put, it works by changing the way certain chemicals in the brain work to help you stay focused and control impulsive behavior . It belongs to a class of drugs called stimulants.
But remember, sometimes doctors may prescribe this medication for other conditions as well. So if you have any questions, ask your doctor about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before giving this medicine to you or your child, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has any of the following conditions:
| Condition/disease category | Description |
|---|---|
| Mental health problems | Anxiety, panic attacks, other mental illnesses, suicidal thoughts or attempts (in yourself or someone in your family) |
| Heart disease and blood pressure | High blood pressure, heart disease, congenital heart defects, hardening or blocked arteries, stroke |
| Circulatory problems | Problems with blood circulation in the fingers (hands and feet) |
| Other medical conditions | Glaucoma, liver disease, seizures, thyroid disease, phenylketonuria |
| Habits and history | A history of drug or alcohol addiction, motor tics, or Tourette's syndrome (in your own or in your family) |
| Allergies | Allergies to methylphenidate or other medicines, foods, or dyes |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Since this is a chewable tablet, you should chew it thoroughly and swallow it . Do not swallow before chewing it completely. Then drink a glass of water.
- Before meals: It is generally best to take this medication 30-45 minutes before meals, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- On time: Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day.
- Nighttime: Usually, the last dose of the day should be taken at least 4-6 hours before bedtime, as this can interfere with sleep.
- Dosage: Do not take more or more frequently than prescribed by your doctor.
Important: This medicine is for you only. Do not share your medicine with anyone else for any reason. It is dangerous and illegal.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) 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 vitamins and traditional medicines), as some medications can interact with this one.
| Do not take Methylphenidate with these. | |
|---|---|
| MAOIs (a type of medication used to treat depression) | Eg: Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate |
| Lithium | A drug for mental illness |
| Procarbazine | A drug for cancer |
| Other stimulants | Other medications to increase alertness, reduce weight, or relieve sleepiness |
| If you are taking methylphenidate with these, tell your doctor. | |
| Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease | Warfarin (a blood thinner), Atomoxetine, Caffeine |
| Medicine for seizures | Ex: Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin |
| Medication for depression/anxiety | Some medicines taken for colds or allergies |
What are the things to consider when taking the medicine?
- Regular check-ups: While taking this medicine, you should see your doctor regularly to check your condition. Especially if you are a child, the doctor will regularly check your height and weight growth.
- Effects on attention: This medicine may affect your ability to concentrate or be alert. Therefore, avoid driving, cycling, or operating machinery until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Loss of appetite: It is normal to experience loss of appetite when you first start taking the medication. One solution to this is to eat smaller meals several times a day rather than eating large meals at once. If this persists, tell your doctor.
- Special warning for men: If sexual arousal lasts more than 4 hours or becomes painful, seek medical attention immediately . This can be a serious condition. If left untreated, permanent damage may occur.
- Finger changes: If you experience any unexplained sores, numbness, pain, skin color changes (pale, blue, red), or sensitivity to temperature in your fingers or toes while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Increased blood pressure | Severe headaches, vision changes. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Severe anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, worsening of mental status. |
| Stroke in adults | Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking. |
| Raynaud's phenomenon | Coldness, numbness, pain, and color changes in the fingers and toes (pale -> blue -> red). |
| Usually nothing to worry about, but if it persists, tell your doctor. | |
| Headache | Difficulty falling asleep |
| Appetite | Weight loss |
| Anxiety/worry | Nausea |
How do you protect your medicine?
- Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. This medicine can be fatal if taken by mistake.
- Safe place: This medicine is prone to misuse, so keep it in a place that can be protected from theft.
- Storage: Keep the bottle tightly closed at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius), away from light and moisture.
- Disposal: Do not throw leftover or expired pills outdoors or down the toilet. Mix them with something like used coffee grounds or cat litter, put them in a tightly sealed bag or container, and throw them in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Methylphenidate is a medication used to treat ADHD. It improves attention and controls impulsive behavior.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor your complete health history, especially about heart disease and mental health problems.
- Chew the medicine thoroughly, take it at the right time, and as directed by the doctor. Do not take it at night.
- If you experience serious side effects (severe chest pain, mental changes, allergic reactions), seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Keep it safe and away from children and others.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.
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