Methylphenidate Health Article

Definition

The generic name for the drug Ritalin, the most commonly prescribed medication for treating children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Description

Methylphenidate is one of a group of drugs called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. It is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy (uncontrollable desire for sleep or sudden attacks of deep sleep), and other conditions as determined by a physician or other healthcare provider.

Methylphenidate contributes to the treatment of ADHD by increasing attention and decreasing restlessness in children and adults who are overactive, cannot concentrate for very long, or are easily distracted, and are impulsive. Methylphenidate is intended to be used as part of a total treatment program that also includes social, educational, and psychological treatment.

A central nervous system stimulant, methylphenidate is also used to control narcolepsy, a condition characterized by an overpowering desire to sleep. Methylphenidate comes in short- and long-acting tablets. The latter should be swallowed whole, never broken into smaller pieces or chewed.

General use

Initially methylphenidate is prescribed in two daily doses of 2.5 mg each, taken at breakfast and lunch time. The dosage is gradually increased until the daily amount reaches 10.0 mg. The dosages should be strictly followed, and since anorexia is an important side effect, the dosages should always be accompanied by a meal or snack. The primary side effect of methylphenidate is growth suppression. Others include irritability, restlessness, agitation, nausea, and headaches. Occasionally it causes sleeplessness, in which case the last dosage of the day should be a short-action tablet. Physicians often recommend regular drug-free periods to combat these side effects. In many cases, a child only takes methylphenidate during the school year.

Precautions

Methylphenidate can be addictive and dosage should be tapered off gradually. Signs of physical dependency include the need to increase the dosage in order to achieve results, mental depression, unusual behavior, and unusual tiredness or weakness. Some medical professionals believe that methylphenidate is prescribed too often. They call for better diagnostic procedures conducted by trained personnel rather than relying primarily on subjective observations by parents and teachers.

The dosage of methylphenidate is different for different people. It is important to follow the prescribing physician's orders or the instructions that appear on the label of the container. Do not change dosages unless a physician approves such an alteration.