How should I take methylphenidate?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Take this medication at least 30 minutes before a meal. The extended-release forms
of methylphenidate (Ritalin-SR, Metadate ER, Metadate CD, Methylin ER, Concerta) can be
taken with or without food.
The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow
the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening
the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
If you have trouble swallowing the extended-release capsule, you may open the capsule
and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce to make swallowing easier. Swallow
this mixture right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use. Discard the
empty capsule.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table
spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
To prevent sleep problems, take this medication early in the day, no later than 6:00 pm.
Store methylphenidate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine.
Methylphenidate is a
drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is
using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do
not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
An overdose of methylphenidate can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, agitation, tremors, muscle twitching, seizure
(convulsions), confusion, hallucinations, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, blurred vision, dry
mouth and nose, and fainting.
What should I avoid while taking methylphenidate?
Methylphenidate can cause side effects that may impair your vision or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What are the possible side effects of methylphenidate?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking methylphenidate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious
side effects:
-
fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;
-
feeling like you might pass out;
-
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering,
peeling, and red skin rash;
-
aggression, restlessness, hallucinations, unusual behavior,
or motor tics (muscle twitches);
-
easy bruising, purple spots on your skin; or
-
dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred
vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven
heartbeats, seizure).
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
Print
Email
Save
Drug Info Tools
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
