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See more conditions. Drugs and Supplements Methylphenidate Oral Route. Products and services. This includes the combined pill and emergency contraception. However, if using methylphenidate makes you sick, or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do. Find out what to do if you're on the pill and you're sick or have diarrhoea. There is no evidence to suggest that methylphenidate will affect fertility in either men or women.
They may want to review your treatment. Some people might get side effects like feeling dizzy, blurred vision, difficulty focusing or feeling sleepy when taking methylphenidate.
If this happens it may be dangerous to drive or ride a bike. And the same applies to any sports, games or other activities where you need good vision, balance and concentration to be safe. It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive.
If you're in any doubt, do not drive. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking methylphenidate. UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving. Some people find that methylphenidate does not work for them. If this applies to you, your doctor may recommend other ADHD medicines, such as dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine and atomoxetine.
Psychological treatments for ADHD can also be helpful for some people. This includes behavioural therapy and talking therapy. Speak to your doctor if you are interested in finding out about alternative treatments. Do not stop taking your methylphenidate without talking to your doctor first.
Some studies have suggested that supplements of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help people with ADHD. However, the evidence is very limited and more research is needed. You should talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
This is because some supplements can react with methylphenidate - and cause side effects, or make your medicine work less well. Page last reviewed: 27 July Next review due: 27 July Methylphenidate for adults - Brand names: Ritalin, Concerta, Delmosart, Equasym, Medikinet On this page About methylphenidate for adults Key facts Who can and cannot take methylphenidate How and when to take methylphenidate Side effects How to cope with the side effects of methylphenidate Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions about methylphenidate.
About methylphenidate for adults Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD. Methylphenidate is a controlled drug, which means that you may have to prove your identity when collecting your prescription.
You also have to collect your prescription within 28 days. Extended release methylphenidate is usually taken once a day. With standard tablets or capsules, your doctor may recommend taking them up to 3 times a day. Do not stop taking methylphenidate suddenly, speak to your doctor first. Other brand names for methylphenidate are Tranquilin, Xaggitin and Xenidate. Tell your doctor before starting the medicine if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to methylphenidate or any other medicine have difficulty swallowing — some brands may not be suitable for you have heart problems have an overactive thyroid have a tumour in the adrenal gland phaeochromocytoma have mental health problems or a close family member has mental health problems have high blood pressure or problems with blood vessels, such as vasculitis have epilepsy have tics sudden muscle twitches of the face or body , or a family history of Tourette's syndrome have glaucoma or are at risk of getting glaucoma are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or breastfeeding have problems with drugs or alcohol.
Always follow the instructions that come with your medicine carefully. Standard release tablets and capsules These are also called immediate release, although it can still take a while for the medicine to release into your body. Extended release tablets and capsules Also called XL, slow, modified or prolonged release.
Dose for standard release tablets or capsules The usual starting dose for adults is 5mg, taken 2 or 3 times a day. Dose for extended release capsules The usual starting dose for adults is 10mg, taken once in the morning. Dose for extended release tablets The usual starting dose for adults is 18mg, taken once in the morning. How to take it How to take standard tablets or capsules Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water, milk or squash. How to take extended release tablets or capsules Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water, milk or squash.
Take extended release tablets and capsules in the morning. Important Do not crush or break extended release tablets. If you are sick again, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. What if I forget to take it? Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. What if I take too much? Taking too much methylphenidate can cause symptoms such as: being sick feeling unusually happy, confused or agitated muscle twitching, seizures or fits shaking, uncontrolled movements seeing, feeling or hearing things that are not real hallucinations a fast, slow or uneven heart beat palpitations sweating, flushing red face or high temperature headaches.
Urgent advice: Contact for advice now if:. Common side effects These common side effects may happen in more than 1 in people. Keep taking the medicine, but tell your doctor if they bother you or do not go away: headache feeling nervous trouble sleeping insomnia loss of appetite — this can lead to weight loss or poor weight gain stomach ache dry mouth feeling or being sick Serious side effects Serious side effects are uncommon and happen in less than 1 in people.
Tell your doctor straight away if you: have mood or personality changes have thoughts about harming yourself others have fast or irregular heartbeats palpitations start seeing, feeling or hearing things that are not real hallucinations have started to get facial tics , tell your doctor — these are quick, little movements in the muscles of your face that you cannot control and are sudden — if this starts happening, your doctor will stop your treatment.
Serious allergic reaction It's extremely rare to have an allergic reaction anaphylaxis to methylphenidate but if this happens to you, stop taking the medicine and:.
Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Visit Yellow Card for further information. What to do about: headaches — make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Painkillers such as paracetamol can help. Follow these directions carefully. Some methylphenidate products may not be able to be substituted for another. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the type of methylphenidate product your doctor has prescribed.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how late in the day you should take a missed dose of your medication so that it will not cause difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep.
However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. If you are taking the long-acting capsule Jornay PM , take the missed dose as soon as you remember it that night. However, if it is already the next morning, skip the missed dose of the long-acting capsule Jornay PM and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Methylphenidate may slow children's growth or weight gain.
Your child's doctor will watch his or her growth carefully. Talk to your child's doctor if you have concerns about your child's growth or weight gain while he or she is taking this medication.
Talk to your child's doctor about the risks of giving methylphenidate to your child. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from light and excess heat and moisture not in the bathroom. Store methylphenidate in a safe place so that no one else can take it accidentally or on purpose. Keep track of how many tablets or capsules or how much liquid is left so you will know if any medication is missing.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily.
To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at If you are taking methylphenidate long-acting tablets Concerta , you may notice something that looks like a tablet in your stool.
This is just the empty tablet shell, and this does not mean that you did not get your complete dose of medication. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may check your blood pressure and heart rate and order certain lab tests to check your response to methylphenidate. This prescription is not refillable. Be sure to schedule appointments with your doctor on a regular basis so that you do not run out of medication.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Generic alternatives may be available. Methylphenidate pronounced as meth'' il fen' i date.
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Brand names Other names.
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