When your child is diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you may have many questions about the medication that is being prescribed. It is normal. You may be very curious and a little scared about the medication Methylphenidate that has been prescribed for your child. Okay, then don't be scared. Today, we will talk about this medication, its pros and cons, and how to use it, in simple Sinhala that you can understand.
What exactly is Methylphenidate?
Simply put, Methylphenidate is a medication used to treat Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It also comes in the form of a chewable tablet. It works by improving a child's attention span and controlling impulsive, disruptive behavior.
This medication belongs to a class of drugs called stimulants. When you hear the word "stimulant," you might think it will make your child more agitated. But it doesn't. What this medication does is balance the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain of a child with ADHD, helping them focus on one thing.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
This is very important. If you or anyone in your family has any of the following medical conditions or problems, you should definitely tell your doctor before starting this medicine for your child.
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Problems with blood circulation in the fingers and toes
- Glaucoma, a condition in which pressure in the eye increases
- Heart disease or any weakness of the heart
- High blood pressure
- A history of previous drug or alcohol addiction
- If you have had a stroke
- Liver diseases
- Other mental illnesses
- Motor tics or Tourette's syndrome
- A condition called Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Seizures
- Thoughts of harming yourself or committing suicide
- Thyroid disease
- If you have an allergic reaction to this Methylphenidate medicine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding
Do not hide this information from the doctor. It is essential for him to know all of this in order to determine the best and most appropriate treatment for the child's safety.
How should I use this medicine?
This is a chewable tablet. Therefore, you should chew it thoroughly before swallowing. Drink it with a glass of water. Give the medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor, at the right time. This medicine is usually given in the morning . Because if given at night, it may interfere with the child's sleep.
If you experience stomach upset, give the medicine with food. Never stop taking the medicine or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
Important: If you suspect that your child has been given too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or take your child to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) of the nearest hospital. This medicine has been prescribed for your child only. Do not share this medicine with anyone else.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take 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 the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Methylphenidate can interact with other medications, so tell your doctor if your child is taking any other medications (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Drug category | Examples and descriptions |
|---|---|
| Never take methylphenidate with this medicine. | |
| MAOI drugs | Medicines like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate. |
| Other stimulants | Other stimulants that are given to increase attention, lose weight, or stay awake. |
| Other | Medications like Lithium and Procarbazine. |
| There may be problems with this medication (tell your doctor). | |
| Medicines for various diseases | - Atomoxetine - Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease - Medications for depression and anxiety - Medicines for seizures (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin) - Warfarin (a blood thinner) - Things containing caffeine - Some medications taken for colds and allergies |
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
- Visit the doctor regularly: After starting the medication, you should visit the doctor regularly to check on your child's progress. The doctor will monitor things like the child's weight and height.
- Decreased appetite: It is common to experience decreased appetite when starting this medication. One solution to this is to eat smaller meals throughout the day rather than eating large meals at once. If this problem persists, talk to your doctor.
- Special attention for boys: If a boy's penis remains erect for more than 4 hours or is painful, it could be a serious condition (priapism). It needs to be treated before permanent damage occurs, so talk to a doctor immediately.
- Changes in fingers: If you notice any unexplained sores, numbness, pain, or skin discoloration (white/blue) 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 one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Changes in heart rate | Heart palpitations, chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness. |
| Increased blood pressure | When the doctor checks, it turns out that the pressure is high. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Extreme anger, agitation, seeing/hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations), suicidal thoughts. |
| Raynaud's phenomenon | Fingers turn pale, blue, then red again, feeling numb and painful. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist | |
| Minor problems | Headache, loss of appetite, nausea, insomnia, weight loss, blurred vision, mild agitation. |
How to protect medicine?
Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets. Protect it from theft, as this medicine can be addictive. Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Methylphenidate is a medication that improves attention and is used to treat ADHD.
- This is a chewable medicine. When giving it to your child, tell them to chew it thoroughly and swallow it.
- Before starting the medication, tell the doctor about all medical conditions of the child and family.
- If you experience any serious side effects (such as changes in heart rate, mental changes, or allergies), seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
- This medicine is for your child only. Never share it with others.
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