Let's learn about Methylphenidate tablets for ADHD? (Methylphenidate Extended-Release)

Has your doctor prescribed a medication for you or your child for ADHD? Is the name of that medication Methylphenidate? So today we will talk briefly about this medication, what it does, and what you should be aware of. Since this is a somewhat special medication, it will be very important for you to know exactly what it is.

What exactly is Methylphenidate?

Simply put, this is a drug that is mainly used to treat Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) . As you may remember, a child or adult with ADHD has difficulty paying attention, staying focused, and doing things at once. So what this drug does is stimulate their brain, improve their attention, and help them control their impulsive behavior.

Also, this medicine is used for a condition called narcolepsy, which is a condition in which you fall asleep at any time. Because it helps keep the body and mind awake. These belong to the group of drugs called stimulants. In our country, this medicine is available under various brand names like Concerta, Ritalin SR.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Okay, now this is the most important part. Before starting this medication, you should inform your doctor about some of the conditions you have in your body. Because this medication does not suit everyone the same. Talk to your doctor about these things without hiding anything.

• Heart disease: If you or someone in your family has any heart disease, such as high blood pressure, a hole in the heart, or a blocked blood vessel.
• Mental health issues: If you have conditions like frequent anxiety, panic attacks, depression, previous suicidal thoughts, or Tourette's syndrome.
• Other medical conditions: Glaucoma, a condition where pressure in the eye increases, a history of stroke, seizures, liver disease, or thyroid problems.
• Finger problems: If you have a problem with reduced blood circulation to the fingers of your limbs.
• Digestive tract problems: If you have difficulty swallowing pills, or if you have previously had a blockage in your digestive tract or stomach.
• Addictions: If you have a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
• Other considerations: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Allergies: If you have an allergy to this Methylphenidate medication or any other medication, food, or dye.

How should I use the medicine exactly?

It is very important to use the medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor.

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• This is very important: Since these are extended-release pills, never break, crush, or chew the pill. Doing so can release the medicine into the body all at once, causing dangerous side effects.
• You can take this with or without food.
• If your doctor has told you to take it more than once a day, try to take the last dose at least 8 hours before bedtime . Otherwise, it may interfere with your ability to fall asleep at night.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you accidentally take more medicine than you intended, do not take it lightly. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .

What if I miss a medication appointment?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once , even if you have forgotten one.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

Methylphenidate can interact with other medications. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins and herbal remedies. It can interact especially well with the medications listed below.

Other things to keep in mind when taking the medicine

• Medical check-ups: Visit your doctor on scheduled dates to check your condition. Since this is a controlled drug, you will need to get a new prescription from your doctor to refill the medication when you run out.
• Special note for men: If a man experiences a prolonged or painful erection that lasts more than 4 hours , it may be a serious condition. It can cause permanent damage, so see a doctor immediately.
• Loss of appetite: It is common to experience loss of appetite when starting this medication. To address this, try to eat smaller meals several times a day rather than eating large meals. For children, the doctor will monitor their height and weight.
• The tablet coating may pass through your stool: Some types of methylphenidate may not dissolve and may pass through your stool completely. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern.
• Finger problems: If you develop unexplained sores, numbness, pain, or changes in the color of your fingers (white, blue, red) while taking the medication, tell your doctor.

What are the possible side effects?

Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.

Methylphenidate, ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Narcolepsy, Stimulant, Drug Side Effects, Child Mental Health