Methylphenidate is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older. Additionally, methylphenidate serves as a second-line therapy for narcolepsy in adults. Ritalin is typically prescribed for children aged six years and older, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with ADHD.

• If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, open it and mix the medicine with soft food such as applesauce, pudding or yogurt.
• If paradoxical aggravation of symptoms or other adverse effects occur, reduce dosage, or, if necessary, discontinue the drug.
• Additionally, if a patient complains of cardiac symptoms, such as chest pain, that worsens with exertion or has a near-syncope episode, then a full cardiac workup should be performed.
• Dermatologically, patients can complain of excessive sweating and ulceration of their digits.
• Ritalin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Methylphenidate, Oral Tablet

In Ritalin’s mechanism of action, dopamine and norepinephrine play vital roles in regulating attention, mood, and alertness. RITALIN-SR® is also used in the treatment of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy. RITALIN® is also used in the treatment of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy. Adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have not been conducted. Ritalin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Methylphenidate may decrease the effectiveness of drugs used to treat hypertension.

Serious side effects of Ritalin

Store Ritalin in a secure place out of the reach of children, and at room temperature. Do not share your Ritalin prescription with anyone, even another person with ADHD. Discuss circulation problems with your doctor before taking Ritalin, which has been known to cause numbness, coolness, or pain in fingers or toes, including Raynaud’s phenomenon. Report to your doctor any new blood-flow problems, pain, skin color changes, or sensitivities to temperature while taking Ritalin. Tell your doctor about any mental problems you or your child have, or about a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression. AMFM offers a comprehensive approach to ADHD treatment that extends beyond symptom management.

ADHD Science & Strategies

Gathering a thorough history from the patient (or the patient’s legal guardian) regarding their past medical history, current medications, and social history (obtain a developmental history if the patient is a child) is essential. Communication between each healthcare team member is crucial as medication combined with non-pharmacologic treatment measures provide the most long-term success. Evaluation of adverse effects requires close monitoring at each visit. Educating the patient’s legal guardian on the medication and its side effects is crucial if the patient is a child. This interprofessional approach will optimize therapeutic results while limiting adverse events. Common side effects of methylphenidate include insomnia, loss of appetite, increased heart rate, anxiety, headaches, and stomach issues.

In addition to these dangers, individuals who are not diagnosed with ADHD or narcolepsy may be using methylphenidate without understanding the full extent of the risks involved. Call your doctor right away if you or your child has any signs of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of ritalin: mild to serious side effects and how to manage them breath, or fainting while taking Ritalin. Tell your doctor if you or your child have any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems. It is not known if Ritalin is safe and effective in children under 6 years of age.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Ritalin or Ritalin LA, call your doctor right away. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. Ritalin has an average rating of 7.0 out of 10 from a total of 223 reviews on Drugs.com.

Is Ritalin safe for young children?

This was below the threshold of clinical concern and there was no evident exposure response relationship. Rats treated with methylphenidate early in the postnatal period through sexual maturation demonstrated a decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity in adulthood. A deficit in acquisition of a specific learning task was observed in females only.

• The mouse strain used is sensitive to the development of hepatic tumors, and the significance of these results to humans is unknown.
• Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide.
• Our Ritalin Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, open it and mix the medicine with soft food such as applesauce, pudding or yogurt.

To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Ritalin or Ritalin LA. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the side effects of Ritalin in both males and females. In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious. For some people, Ritalin or Ritalin LA can cause an allergic reaction. However, clinical trials of Ritalin and Ritalin LA did not report this side effect.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Narcolepsy:

We create personalized treatment plans addressing the whole person-mentally, emotionally, and physically. Individuals may find it easier to manage impulsive behaviors, leading to improved relationships and better decision-making. Children with ADHD may struggle in school due to difficulties in focusing on tasks or following instructions. Adults with ADHD may find it challenging to manage time effectively, meet deadlines, or maintain organization in their personal and professional lives. At Mission Connection, we offer personalized ADHD care that goes beyond prescriptions.

However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Ritalin primarily works by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It does this by blocking the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, leading to improved attention and focus in individuals with ADHD.

If such symptoms occur, consideration should be given to a possible causal role of the stimulant, and discontinuation of treatment may be appropriate. Methylphenidate therapy for patients with ADHD and narcolepsy leads to significantly better outcomes when supplemented with nonpharmacologic therapies (ie, social skills training for ADHD or sleep hygiene measures for narcolepsy). Disclose to your physician all mental health issues including any family history of suicide, bipolar illness, tics, or depression. Ritalin may create new or exacerbate existing behavior problems, bipolar illness, or Tourette’s syndrome. The FDA recommends evaluating patients for bipolar disorder, tics, and Tourette’s syndrome prior to stimulant administration. It can cause psychotic or manic symptoms in children and teenagers.

If your child shows signs of slowed growth, your child’s doctor may have them stop taking the drug. Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD. Stimulants, including methylphenidate (Ritalin’s active ingredient), have a risk of misuse and dependence. Misuse is when a drug is taken in a way other than how a doctor prescribed it.