Ritalin
| Ritalin drug and methylphenidate are mild
central nervous system stimulants used in the treatment of
attention deficit. Ritalin is also used in adults to treat
narcolepsy. When given for attention deficit disorder
ritalin drug should be an integral part of a total
treatment program that includes psychological, and social
measures. |

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| Symptoms of attention deficit
disorder include continual problems with moderate to
severe distractibility, short attention span,
hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. |
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Ritalin
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Drug
Uses
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This
medicine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to
treat narcolepsy (sudden and uncontrollable attacks of
drowsiness and sleep) and attention-deficit disorders. It may
also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your
doctor. This medicine should not be used to treat tiredness or
depression.
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General
Information
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Methylphenidate should be given cautiously to emotionally
unstable patients such as those with a history of alcohol or
drug abuse. Such patients may be more likely to increase their
doses unnecessarily. Abuse of this medicine can lead to abnormal
behavior. If methylphenidate must be stopped, it should be
stopped gradually over time. Do not suddenly stop this medicine
because severe depression or hidden overactivity may occur. In
some people, long-term monitoring may be required after the
medicine is stopped.
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How
Taken
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CHILDREN: Take your dose exactly at the times indicated by your
doctor. ADULTS: Take your dose 30 to 45 minutes before meals or
as directed by your doctor. TO PREVENT THIS MEDICINE FROM
AFFECTING SLEEP: try not to take a dose later than 6 pm.
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Possible
Side Effects
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| SIDE
EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include
decreased appetite (more severe in children), stomach upset,
difficulty falling asleep, headache, nervousness, or dizziness.
If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience a
fever, joint pain, weight loss, irregular heartbeat, chest pain,
vision changes or blurred vision, seizures, involuntary muscle
movements, or changes in mood or personality. AN ALLERGIC
REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate
medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble
breathing. If you notice any other effects, contact your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.
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Warnings/Precautions
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DO NOT EXCEED THE
RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than
prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP TAKING
THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL
DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this
medicine. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE
THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this
medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or
with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform
other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY
NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check
with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Drug
Interactions
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Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this
medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription
and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE
THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking a MAO inhibitor (e.g.,
furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine,
selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine). DO NOT take MAO
inhibitors within 2 weeks before or after treatment with this
medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be
needed if you are taking guanadrel or guanethidine. Inform your
doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or
breast-feeding.
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Missed
Dose
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| IF
YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible.
Take the remaining doses for the day at evenly spaced intervals.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
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Storage
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| STORE THIS MEDICINE at room
temperature, away from heat and light.
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Pregnancy/Nursing
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| IF
YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the
benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT
IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU
ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine,
check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to
your baby.
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