Things you need to know about methylphenidate

Has your doctor told you or your child that you have ADHD , or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? If so, you may have been prescribed a medication called methylphenidate . There is a special form of this medication, which is an orally disintegrating tablet. So today, let's talk about this medication, how to use it properly, and what you need to be careful about.

What kind of medicine is this?

Simply put, methylphenidate is a medication used to treat ADHD. It belongs to a class of medications called stimulants . Don't be alarmed when you hear the word "stimulant." This medication works by slightly improving brain function , increasing focus, and controlling impulsive behavior. This can help a child focus better on schoolwork and everyday tasks.

Doctors may sometimes prescribe this medicine for other conditions, so if you have any questions, ask your doctor about it.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

Before starting this medication for 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 conditions listed below.

This is how to use the medicine correctly:

Since this is a tablet that dissolves in the mouth, the method of use is a little different. So remember these steps carefully.

• Take it at the same time every day: Take the medicine at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor.
• No water required: You do not need water to take this pill.
• Keep the pill in the packet until you are ready to take it: Do not take the pill out of the sealed packet until you are ready to take it.
• Take the pill with dry hands: With dry hands, carefully open the packet and take out the pill. If the pill is broken or crushed, discard it and get a new one.
• Dissolve in mouth: Place the tablet in your mouth and let it dissolve. Then swallow.
• Do not chew, crush, or break: Never chew, crush, or break this medicine into pieces.
• With or without food: You can take this with or without food. However, it is best to take it at the same time every day.
• Do not stop until your doctor tells you to: Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.

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 your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time. This can be dangerous.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

Some medications can interact with methylphenidate and cause side effects, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products).

Things to keep in mind when taking medication

See the doctor regularly.

After starting the medication, go to your doctor's appointments at the scheduled times. Tell your doctor if your symptoms are improving or worsening.

Risk of drug addiction

When this medicine is used for a long time, especially in high doses, the body and brain may become dependent on it. There is also a risk of abuse of this medicine. Therefore , take only the dose prescribed by the doctor, as prescribed. Sometimes the doctor may tell you to stop taking the medicine for a few days during weekends and holidays (drug holidays). All this should be done only according to the doctor's instructions.

Sleep disturbances and appetite

This medication may cause some people to have difficulty sleeping at night. Therefore , avoid taking the medication late at night as much as possible. It is also common to experience a loss of appetite when you first start taking the medication. To address this, try to eat smaller meals several times a day rather than eating large meals at once. If you continue to experience this loss of appetite, tell your doctor. If a child is taking this medication, it is also important to monitor their height and weight regularly.

Other special points

• If you develop unexplained sores on your fingers or toes, if your fingers become numb or painful, or if your fingers change color (pale, blue, red), tell your doctor immediately.
• If a man has a prolonged or painful erection that lasts more than 4 hours, it can be a serious condition that requires immediate treatment.
• If you are scheduled to have surgery, an MRI, or a CT scan, inform the relevant medical team in advance that you are taking this medication.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medication, methylphenidate can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious and require immediate attention.

How to keep medicine safe?

This is a drug with a risk of misuse, so keep it locked up in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets. Selling or giving this drug to others is against the law and is very dangerous.

Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Dispose of expired medicine. It is important to dispose of leftover or expired medicine safely. The best way to do this is to remove the medicine from the container, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and put it in a well-sealed bag and throw it in the trash.