Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
ADHD is a behavioural condition characterised by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
This medicine is meant to be taken as part of a complete ADHD care programme which includes psychological, educational, and social measures.
Methylphenidate is also used to treat narcolepsy (a long-term sleep disorder that causes a person to suddenly fall asleep at inappropriate times).
Take Methylphenidate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different brands of this medicine may be taken differently.
Methylphenidate is available as a conventional tablet, oral solution, and modified-release type of capsule or tablet.
If you are taking the modified-release type of capsule or tablet (may be labelled "LA", "XL", "MR"), swallow it whole. The capsule may be opened and sprinkled on soft food (e.g. apple sauce, yoghurt). The mixture should be swallowed entirely and immediately. Do not store the mixture for later use. Do not divide, chew or crush the capsule (and its contents) or the tablet.
If you are taking an oral solution, use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure out your prescribed dose.
Do not switch between different brands unless advised by your doctor.
Methylphenidate must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- increased pressure in the eye
- phaeochromocytoma (rare tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
- hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
- current or history of mental illness e.g. depression, mood disorder, mania (feeling highly excited, being over-active and easily irritated or distracted), having thoughts of self-harm
- heart problems e.g. severe high blood pressure, irregular or abnormal heartbeat, heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), heart attack
- diseases of the blood vessels supplying the brain e.g. stroke, brain aneurysm (weakness and bulging of the blood vessel wall in the brain)
as Methylphenidate may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Methylphenidate if you are currently taking or have taken medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- behaviour problems e.g. anxiety, tension, agitation
- current or history of Tourette's syndrome (a disorder characterised by sudden, repetitive, and uncontrollable body movements or vocal sounds)
- drug or alcohol dependency
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Methylphenidate to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. certain urine drug tests), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. heart function, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of signs of depression or behavioural changes may also be needed.
Methylphenidate may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, headache, and hair loss.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- eye pain, swelling, or redness, and changes in eyesight
- fits or seizures
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Methylphenidate if you are currently taking or have taken medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for high blood pressure
- risperidone (medicine for mood disorders)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Methylphenidate.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Methylphenidate.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect the tablet or capsule from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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