| Indicated for: *ADD *ADHD *narcolepsy Other uses: *treatment-resistant depression *appetite suppressant *antidepressant augmentation |
| Contraindications: * Use of tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. desipramine), as methylphenidate may dangerously increase their plasma concentrations, leading to potential toxic reactions (mainly, cardiovascular effects). * Use of MAO Inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate), and certain other drugs. * methylphenidate should not be given to patients who suffer from the following conditions: Severe Arrhythmia, Hypertension or Liver damage. * Drug-seeking behaviour * Pronounced agitation or nervousness. Other side effects include drowsiness, and mood swings |
| Side effects: Atypical sensations: * Cardiovascular: * Arrhythmia or * increase in blood pressure Ear, nose, and throat: * Endocrinal: * Appetite loss Eye: * Blurred vision Gastrointestinal: * Nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain Hematological: * Musculoskeletal: * Muscle twitches Neurological: * Insomnia, drowsiness, dizziness, headache Psychological: * Psychosis (abnormal thoughts or hallucinations) * Nervousness * Euphoria Respiratory: * Increased respiration rate Skin: * Urogenital and reproductive: * Miscellaneous: *Fever |
blank">Methylphenidate (MPH) is a prescription stimulant commonly used to treat _Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. It is also one of the primary drugs used to treat the daytime drowsiness symptoms of narcolepsy and chronic fatigue syndrome. The drug is seeing early use to treat cancer-related fatigue. Brand names of drugs that contain methylphenidate include Ritalin (Ritalina, Rilatine, Attenta, Methylin, Penid, Rubifen); and the sustained release tablets Concerta, Metadate CD, Ritalin LA, and Ritalin-SR. Focalin is a preparation containing only dextro-methylphenidate, rather than the usual racemic dextro- and levo-methylphenidate mixture of other formulations. A newer way of taking methylphenidate is by using a transdermal patch (under the brand name Daytrana), similar to those used for hormone replacement therapy, nicotine release and pain relief (fentanyl).
