What is the most important information I should know about methylphenidate?
Do not use methylphenidate if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as
isocarboxazid (
Marplan),
tranylcypromine (
Parnate),
phenelzine (
Nardil),
rasagiline (
Azilect), or
selegiline (
Eldepryl,
Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can
occur if you use methylphenidate before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to methylphenidate or if you have
glaucoma, tics (
muscle twitches) or
Tourette's syndrome, depression, or severe
anxiety, tension,
or agitation (methylphenidate can make these symptoms worse).
Methylphenidate may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was
prescribed for.
Methylphenidate should never be shared with another person,
especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the
medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
What is methylphenidate?
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain
and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.
Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy.
Methylphenidate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking methylphenidate?
Do not take methylphenidate if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as
isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or
selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can
occur if you use methylphenidate before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
Do not use this medication 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 (methylphenidate can
make these symptoms worse).
Some stimulants have caused sudden death in children and
adolescents with serious heart problems or congenital heart defects.
Before using methylphenidate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use
methylphenidate, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. Methylphenidate may be harmful to an unborn baby.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether methylphenidate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
Long-term use of methylphenidate can slow a child's growth. Tell your doctor if the child
using this medication is not growing or gaining weight properly.
Do not give methylphenidate to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice
of a doctor.
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