Does your child have difficulty sitting still and studying? Or does he or she get distracted easily? Does this interfere with schoolwork and daily activities? This is a condition called ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). This is not only true for children, but sometimes adults too. Methylphenidate is a special medication that is prescribed to treat this condition. So, if your doctor has prescribed this medication for you or your child, it is normal to have some questions and concerns about it. Today, let's talk about this medication clearly and simply.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Methylphenidate is a drug that helps improve attention and control impulsive behavior . It belongs to a class of drugs called stimulants. But don't be afraid to say "stimulants." What this drug does is slightly increase the activity of the parts of the brain that control attention and behavior, thereby calming the mind and increasing the ability to focus on one thing.
This medication may be prescribed by your doctor for other conditions, not just ADHD. So if you have any questions, always talk to your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your or your child's health history, especially if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Medical condition or history | Description |
|---|---|
| Mental health problems | Severe anxiety or panic attacks, mental illness, suicidal thoughts or attempts (in yourself or someone in your family) |
| Heart disease and blood pressure | If you have high blood pressure, heart disease or congenital heart defects, narrowing or blockage of the arteries, or a history of stroke |
| Other health conditions | Glaucoma, liver disease, thyroid disease, seizures, circulation problems in the limbs and fingers |
| Habits and allergies | A history of drug or alcohol addiction, a family history of tics or Tourette's syndrome, allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, or if you are a breastfeeding mother |
How should I use the medicine?
This is not like a regular pill. This is a disintegrating pill that dissolves in your mouth . So you don't need water. This is the correct way to use it.
1. Dry your hands thoroughly: Before taking the pill, wash your hands with soap, dry them well, and pat them dry. If you touch the pill with wet hands, it may dissolve.
2. Take the pill: Take the pill out of the sealed pack containing the medicine. This should be done very carefully. If the pill is broken or crushed, discard it and get a new one.
3. Keep in mouth: Place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve. Then swallow.
4. Most importantly: Never cut, crush, or chew this tablet.
5. Before or after meals: You can take this with or without food. But as the doctor says, it's best to take it the same way every day.
6. On time: Taking the medicine at the same time every day will help you get the best results.
7. When giving to children: Although this medicine is recommended for children over 6 years of age, there are some things to be especially careful about. The doctor will always check the child's weight and height.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
Other things that may interact with the medication
This medicine may interact with other medicines, vitamins, or herbal products you are taking. So tell your doctor about everything you are taking, especially the following.
| Avoid taking Methylphenidate with these | |
|---|---|
| MAOIs (an old class of antidepressants) | Lithium, Procarbazine |
| Other stimulant medications | Other medications to increase alertness, reduce weight, or relieve sleepiness |
| As these may react with each other, inform your doctor. | |
| Blood pressure and heart disease medications | Atomoxetine, Warfarin (a blood thinner) |
| Mental illness, seizure medication | Such as Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin |
| Other things | Caffeine-containing beverages, some medications for colds or allergies |
Things to consider when taking medication
- Sleep: This medication can cause drowsiness, so do not take it close to bedtime . It is usually recommended to take it in the morning.
- Appetite: You may experience a loss of appetite when you first start taking the medicine. This is normal. Eating small, frequent meals can help. The doctor will often check your child's name, weight, and height.
- Special note for men: If erections last longer than 4 hours without sexual stimulation or become painful, it may be a serious condition (priapism) . Seek immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage.
- Problems with your hands and feet: If you experience any unusual tingling, numbness, pain, skin color changes (pale, blue, red) in your hands and feet while taking this medicine, tell your doctor right away. This could be a condition called Raynaud's.
- Regular check-ups: Check with your doctor regularly to see if the medication is working and if there are any problems. Do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without asking your doctor.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Heart problems | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Severe anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, hostility, suicidal thoughts. |
| Other serious symptoms | Increased blood pressure, painful erection lasting more than 4 hours, symptoms of a stroke (sudden numbness, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking). |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache (headache) | Appetite |
| Difficulty falling asleep | Weight loss |
| Anxiety, restlessness | Nausea, blurred vision |
Take-Home Message
- Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the correct dose and at the correct time. Never change the dose yourself.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all of your or your child's health conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- This is a controlled drug, so never share it with anyone else. It is illegal and very dangerous.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects such as changes in heart rate, severe mental changes, or painful erections lasting more than 4 hours.
- It is very important to see your doctor regularly to check the progress of your treatment.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න