Methylphenidate is a medication to control the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug is also used in the treatment of narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes sufferers to fall asleep suddenly.
Methylphenidate works by balancing the levels of chemical compounds in the brain (neurotransmitters), namely dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. That way, concentration and focus can be increased, and behavioral disorders can be controlled.
Methylphenidate trademark: Concerta, Methylphenidate HCl, Prohyper 10
What is Methylphenidate
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Nervous system stimulant |
| Benefit | Relieves the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and treat narcolepsy. |
| Consumed by | Adults and children 6 years old |
| Methylphenidate for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Methylphenidate can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Slow release tablets and caplets |
Warnings Before Taking Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription. There are several things to consider before taking this drug, including:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Methylphenidate should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug or to the drug dexmethylphenidate.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any class of drugs monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), such as isocaboxazid or selegiline. Methylphenidate should not be given to patients who are currently or have recently taken this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, severe anxiety disorder, Tourette's syndrome, hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmia, hyperthyroidism, or have recently had a heart attack. Methylphenidate should not be given to patients with these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease, stroke, psychosis, depression, bipolar disorder, seizures, Raynaud's syndrome, alcoholism, epilepsy, drug abuse, or have ever attempted suicide.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on treatment with methylphenidate.
- Do not drive a vehicle or perform activities that require alertness after taking methylphenidate, as this medicine may cause dizziness or blurred vision.
- Talk to your doctor about using methylphenidate in children, because long-term use of this drug can affect your child's growth and development.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effect after taking methylphenidate.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Methylphenidate
The dose of methylphenidate given by the doctor can be different for each patient, depending on the condition you want to treat. Here is the explanation:
Condition: ADHD
- The dose for children aged 6–17 years is 5–10 mg, 1–2 times a day. The maximum dose is 60 mg per day divided into several doses.
- The dose for adults is 20 mg, 1 time a day in the morning. The maximum dose is 60 mg per day.
Condition: Narcolepsy
- The dose for adults is 20-30 mg per day divided into several doses.
How to Take Methylphenidate Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the drug packaging label before taking methylphenidate. Do not reduce or increase the dose, and do not use the drug more than the recommended timeframe.
Methylphenidate tablets should be taken 30–45 minutes before meals or on an empty stomach. Swallow the medicine whole with a glass of water, do not split or chew the medicine.
It is recommended to take methylphenidate regularly at the same time every day for maximum treatment effect. Do not take methylphenidate at night, as it can cause insomnia.
Do not stop using this drug without a doctor's instructions, this is to prevent withdrawal symptoms from occurring.
If the condition has improved, the doctor will reduce the dose of methylphenidate gradually before stopping treatment, so that withdrawal symptoms do not occur.
If you forget to take methylphenidate, take it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Methylphenidate can cause addiction. Therefore, it is important to take this drug according to the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
Store methylphenidate tablets or caplets in a closed container in a cool room. Protect this medication from direct sunlight, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Methylphenidate Interactions with Other Drugs
Some of the effects of drug interactions that can occur if methylphenidate is used with certain drugs are:
- Increased risk of hypertensive crisis which can be fatal if used with -class drugs monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), such as isocaboxazid or selegiline
- Increased risk of side effects from clonidine
- Increased blood levels of phenytoin and tricyclic antidepressant drugs
- Decreased effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs
Methylphenidate Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that may appear after taking methylphenidate are:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache or dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Nervous
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Frequent and uncontrollable movements or twitches
- Blurred vision
- Prolonged and painful erections (priapismus)
- Seizures or fainting
- Heart attack, which can be characterized by symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath
- Mental disorders, including suicidal ideation
- Impaired blood circulation, especially to the fingers and toes, which is characterized by numbness, chills, sores for no apparent reason, the fingers and toes look pale, red or bluish
- Slower weight gain in children
- Stroke, which can be characterized by symptoms such as difficulty speaking, numbness of the face, arms, or legs, or loss of balance
