Are you lacking in concentration? Are you always sleepy? (Methylphenidate) Let's learn about the drug?

You or your child may have difficulty staying focused on one thing at times, right? Or do you feel like you're just falling asleep during the day? Imagine, your child is running around in class, unable to concentrate on his studies, bothering other children, not doing his homework properly... This is when doctors diagnose Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and prescribe medication if necessary. Or imagine that you suddenly fall asleep uncontrollably while doing work in the office or while driving a car. This is very dangerous, isn't it? This is called narcolepsy . To help with such conditions, doctors sometimes prescribe a drug called (Methylphenidate). This belongs to a class of drugs called stimulants . Simply put, it improves your ability to focus, helps control restlessness, impulses, and helps you stay awake. Today, we'll talk a little more about this drug (Methylphenidate). It also comes under the brand name (Methylin).

What should you tell your doctor before using this medicine?

Okay, now before your doctor prescribes this (Methylphenidate) medication for you, it's very important that you tell him or her about your health condition. Because some people with certain medical conditions may not be suitable for this medication, or there may be special precautions you need to take. If you have any of these conditions, you should definitely tell your doctor, right?

• If you often have anxiety or panic attacks .
• If you have circulation problems in your fingers and toes.
• If you have glaucoma .
• If you have hardening or blockages of the arteries or heart blood vessels .
• If you have heart disease or a congenital heart defect .
• If you have high blood pressure .
• If you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse problems .
• If you have had a history of stroke .
• If you have liver disease .
• If you have a mental illness .
• If you have motor tics ( involuntary movements of body parts) or if someone in your family has a condition called Tourette's syndrome .
• If you have conditions such as seizures or convulsions.
• If you have had suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts , or if someone in your family has done so.
• If you have thyroid disease .
• If you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine (Methylphenidate), other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are breastfeeding .

Once the doctor is aware of these things, he can decide exactly whether this medication is right for you or not, and how to give it.

How exactly do I use this medicine?

This medicine (Methylphenidate) comes in a liquid, that is, a syrup. You should take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the amount prescribed, and at the time prescribed.

• Measuring spoon: This is a special spoon or cup (specially marked spoon or container) that can be used to measure the exact amount of medicine. If you don't have one, ask the pharmacist. Shouldn't you use the regular teaspoons or tablespoons that you have at home? They won't measure the exact amount.
• When to take: It is usually best to take this medication 30 to 45 minutes before a meal . However, if your doctor tells you otherwise, do so.
• Regular intervals : Take your medication at regular times of the day as directed by your doctor. Most people will tell you to take your last dose of the day at least 4 to 6 hours before bedtime. Otherwise, you may not be able to sleep.
• Do not take more than the prescribed amount: Do not take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor, or take it more frequently.

A special instruction leaflet (MedGuide): Every time you are given this medicine by the pharmacy, whether it is when you get a refill or when you go to get it again, you will be given a special instruction leaflet (MedGuide) . It contains very important information about this medicine. Always remember to read it carefully.

When given to children: This medicine is sometimes given to children as young as 6 years old. However, there are some things to be careful about when giving it to your child. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your doctor about it carefully and find out the details.

Overdose: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call a poison control center or the nearest hospital emergency room immediately .

This medicine is for you only: This is a medicine that the doctor gave you. Do not give it to anyone else. It is dangerous and against the law.

What do you do if you miss a dose of medicine?

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. Do not take double or extra doses at any time.

What other medications may interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine (Methylphenidate), it may interact with some other medicines. This means that when taken with that medicine, it may change how it works or increase its side effects.

Do not take Methylphenidate with the following medications:

• Lithium
• MAOIs (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate)
• Other stimulant medications for attention deficit, weight loss, or to help you stay awake
• Procarbazine

These medications may interact with methylphenidate, so tell your doctor if you are taking these:

• Atomoxetine
• Caffeine (found in coffee, tea, and some soft drinks)
• Some medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, and irregular heartbeat
• Some medications for depression, anxiety, or mental illness
• Some medications used for seizures (e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin)
• Some medicines for colds or allergies
• Warfarin (a medicine that reduces blood clotting)

This list does not include all possible interactions. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements). Also tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs, as these can also interact with this medicine.

What should you be careful about when taking this medicine?

While taking this medicine, you should have regular check-ups with your doctor. Since this is a prescription medicine, you will need to get a new written prescription from your doctor each time you need a refill.

• Attention and fatigue: This medicine may affect your attention or make you less likely to feel tired. Therefore, do not drive, ride a bicycle, operate machinery, or do other activities that require mental concentration until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
• If the medicine loses its effectiveness: If you feel that the medicine is losing its effectiveness over time, or if you feel like you need to take more than the prescribed amount, tell your doctor. Do not change the dose of the medicine without talking to your doctor.
• Men's Health: If you are a man, if you have a painful erection that lasts more than 4 hours, tell your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of a serious condition. If not treated quickly, it could cause permanent damage.
• Loss of appetite: It is common to have a loss of appetite when starting this medication. Eating smaller, more frequent meals or snacks may help. If your loss of appetite continues, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will often monitor the growth and weight of a child taking this medication.
• Sleep: Do not take this medicine close to bedtime. Doing so may prevent you from falling asleep.
• Surgery or tests: If you are going to have surgery, an MRI, a CT scan, or any other medical procedure, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking the medicine before the procedure.
• Sores or changes in your fingers: If you notice unexplained wounds on your fingers or toes while taking this medicine, tell your doctor right away. Also, tell your fingers if they feel numb, painful, change in skin color, or become sensitive to temperature.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like any medicine, this (Methylphenidate) medicine can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone does. Some of them are serious and you should tell your doctor right away. Some of them are not so serious, but if they persist, it is better to tell your doctor .

Side effects that you should tell your doctor about immediately:

• Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Heart rhythm changes: fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing.
• Increase in blood pressure.
• Mood and behavior changes: anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression.
• Prolonged or painful erection.
• Raynaud's phenomenon: The fingers and toes become cold, numb, or painful, and may turn pale, blue, or red.
• Stroke in adults: Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, loss of balance, dizziness, severe headache, vision changes.

Side effects that usually do not require medical advice, but should be reported if they persist:

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Blurry vision
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight loss

This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor for advice. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should we store our medicine? Let's also think about safety.

This medicine should be kept out of the reach of children and pets . This medicine can be abused. Therefore, keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft . Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Selling or giving it to someone else is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature (20 to 25 degrees Celsius / 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the bottle cap tightly closed.

Important: This medicine can be fatal if taken by other adults, children, or pets. Therefore, if you have any unused medicine left over, mix it with something like cat litter or ground coffee grounds. Then put it in a tightly sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid and dispose of it in the trash. Do not use medicine that has passed its expiration date.

This leaflet is a summary only. It may not contain all the information. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider.

What you need to remember from what we've talked about (Take-Home Message)

Okay, we've talked a lot about methylphenidate today, haven't we? In short, it's a medication that improves attention and reduces anxiety, and is used to treat conditions like ADHD and Narcolepsy.

• Tell your doctor : Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you are taking.
• Use it correctly: Take it exactly as your doctor tells you, in the right amount, and at the right time. Use a special measuring device.
• Be aware of side effects: If you notice any serious side effects, tell your doctor immediately.
• Keep safe: Keep out of reach of children. Dispose of any remaining medication properly.
• Ask questions: If you have any concerns or questions, don't be afraid to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Your health is very important to you, so it is very important to follow these instructions.

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