Ritalin: Uses, Side Effects and Treatment
Uses
This medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - ADHD. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It can help increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. It may also help you to organize your tasks and improve listening skills.
This medication is also used to treat a certain sleep disorder (narcolepsy).
How to use Ritalin
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking methylphenidate and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times a day. This medication is best taken 30 to 45 minutes before a meal. However, if you have stomach upset, you may take this medication with or after a meal or snack. Taking this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia).
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may direct you to gradually increase or decrease your dose. Also, if you have used it for a long time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without consulting your doctor.
This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental/mood changes) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions right away.
When used for a long time, this medication may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Ritalin’s side effects
These are the most common side effects reported by people who take Ritalin:
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- insomnia
- decreased appetite
- dry mouth.
Major side effects should be reported to your doctor immediately, and can include fast heartbeat, joint pain, rash, fever, black stool, blood in urine, blurred vision, muscle cramps, vocal outbursts, unusual bruising, or flaking of the skin.
Can symptoms occur if Ritalin is discontinued?
Ritalin withdrawal symptoms can start a few hours after stopping the medication and last for up to several months. Symptoms can include changes in heart rate, depressed mood, fatigue, nausea, nervousness, nightmares, and agitation. Talk to your doctor if symptoms persist.
If taken in overdose, is Ritalin toxic?
An overdose of Ritalin could be fatal, so seek immediately help or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 if you overdose. Overdose symptoms can include vomiting, muscle twitches, flushing, dry mouth, fever, seizures, wide pupils, uncontrollable shaking, confusion, agitation, sweating, hallucinating, headaches, toxic psychosis, and loss of consciousness,
Before taking this medicine
Do not use Ritalin if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
You should not use Ritalin if you are allergic to methylphenidate, or if you have:
glaucoma;
a personal or family history of tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette's syndrome; or
severe anxiety, tension, or agitation (stimulant medicine can make these symptoms worse).
Stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in certain people. Tell your doctor if you have:
heart problems or a congenital heart defect;
high blood pressure; or
a family history of heart disease or sudden death.
To make sure Ritalin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has ever had:
depression, mental illness, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts or actions;
motor tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette's syndrome;
blood circulation problems in the hands or feet;
seizures or epilepsy;
problems with the esophagus, stomach, or intestines;
an abnormal brain wave test (EEG); or
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Signs and Symptoms
When you suspect that you or someone you know may have a problem with Ritalin addiction, you need to understand the signs of abuse and watch for them. The signs and symptoms of Ritalin abuse include the following:
- Reduced appetite and weight loss.
- Agitation.
- Pupil dilation.
- Dizziness/feeling faint.
- Fatigue.
- Depression.
- Headaches.
- Sweating.
- Insomnia.
- Impaired vision.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Stomach pain.
Abuse Treatment
Group therapyNo two Ritalin addicts are alike. Family situations, addiction severity and psychiatric conditions will inform the best course of action for you. If you're ready to find recovery and get your life back, look into one of the following options:
12-step programs.
SMART Recovery.
Inpatient treatment.
Outpatient treatment.
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