Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It alters brain and nerve chemicals that cause hyperactivity and poor impulse control.
Attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy are all treated with methylphenidate.
Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking methylphenidate. Read all drug guides or instruction sheets and follow all guidelines on your prescription label. Your doctor may adjust your dose from time to time.
Methylphenidate can be addictive. Addiction, overdose, and death can all result from misuse. Keep the medication out of reach of others. It is illegal to sell or give away this drug.
If you move to a new brand, strength, or form of this medicine, your dose requirements may change. Use just the medications that your doctor recommends to avoid medication errors.
The majority of methylphenidate brands are taken once or twice a day. Only use Jornay PM between the hours of 6:30 and 9:30 p.m.
Methylphenidate can be taken with or without food, but it must be taken in the same way each time.
Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release capsule or tablet; swallow it whole.
If you can’t swallow an extended-release capsule whole, break it open and mix it with a soft food like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt. Without chewing, immediately swallow the concoction.
Before swallowing the chewable tablet, you must chew it.
Use the measuring instrument provided to measure liquid medicine (not a kitchen spoon).
Allow the orally disintegrating pill to dissolve without chewing it in your mouth.
If you’re having surgery, let your doctor know.
Counseling or other treatments may be part of your treatment plan.
If you exhibit symptoms of a methylphenidate allergy, get immediate medical attention: Hives; breathing difficulties; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Symptoms of heart disease include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the feeling of passing out.
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real), new behavior issues, anger, antagonism, and paranoia are all indicators of psychosis.
Numbness, soreness, chilly feeling, unexplained sores, or skin color changes (pale, red, or blue appearance) in your fingers or toes; or penis erection that is uncomfortable or lasts 4 hours or more are all indicators of circulation difficulties.
If you suffer signs of serotonin syndrome like agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, high heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, seek medical help right once.
Children’s growth can be affected by methylphenidate. The height and weight of your child may need to be examined on a regular basis. If your child is not growing at a typical rate, tell your doctor.
Sweating and high blood pressure are two common methylphenidate adverse effects.
Fast heart rate, hammering heartbeats, or fluttering in your chest; loss of appetite, weight loss; mood changes, anxiety, feeling nervous or irritated, difficulty sleeping;
or headache, dizziness; or dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion.
