Methylphenidate Benefits & Uses

Methylphenidate is used to treat the following -

Main Benefits

ADHD

Other Benefits

Narcolepsy
Restlessness (Read More - How to stop feeling restless)

Methylphenidate Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group	Dosage
Adult	Disease: ADHD Before or After Meal: Before meal Single Maximum Dose: 20 mg Dosage Form: Tablet (Immediate Release) Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 3 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Geriatric	Disease: ADHD Before or After Meal: Before meal Single Maximum Dose: 20 mg Dosage Form: Tablet (Immediate Release) Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 3 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
13 - 18 years (Adolescent)	Disease: ADHD Before or After Meal: Before meal Single Maximum Dose: 10 mg Dosage Form: Tablet (Immediate Release) Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 3 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
2 - 12 years (Child)	Disease: ADHD Before or After Meal: Before meal Single Maximum Dose: 5 mg Dosage Form: Tablet (Immediate Release) Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: Above 6 years old can take

Methylphenidate Side Effects

Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Methylphenidate is used -

Mild

Headache
Insomnia
पेट दर्द
Irritability
Dry Mouth
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Restlessness
Agitation
Dyspepsia
Infection
Fever (Read More - Home remedies for fever)
Loss of appetite
Anxiety (Read More - Home Remedies for Anxiety)

Methylphenidate Related Warnings

Is the use of Methylphenidate safe for pregnant women?

Methylphenidate may cause moderate side effects during pregnancy. If you feel its harmful effects, then stop taking this drug immediately, and do not take Methylphenidate again without your doctor's advice.

Moderate
Is the use of Methylphenidate safe during breastfeeding?

Methylphenidate may cause serious side effects in breastfeeding women, so do not take this drug without doctor's advice.

Severe
What is the effect of Methylphenidate on the Kidneys?

Information about safety of Methylphenidate for kidney is not available since scientific research on this topic is yet to be done.

Unknown
What is the effect of Methylphenidate on the Liver?

So far, no research has been carried out on the effects of Methylphenidate on the liver. So it is not known whether taking Methylphenidate will affect the liver or not.

Unknown
What is the effect of Methylphenidate on the Heart?

The heart can be affected by Methylphenidate. If you experience any unwanted effects of this drug, stop taking it and consult your doctor. You should restart the medicine only after medical advice.

Moderate

Severe Interaction of Methylphenidate with Other Drugs

Methylphenidate should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Severe

Bupropion

Moderate

Warfarin

Phenylbutazone

PHENYLBUTAZONE TABLET 10S

Phenylephrine

Chlorpheniramine,Dextromethorphan,Paracetamol,Phenylephrine

Mild

Phenobarbital

Primidone

Methylphenidate Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Methylphenidate unless your doctor advises you to do so -

Hyperthyroidism
Schizophrenia
Bipolar Disorder
Heart Disease
Depression
Suicidal Tendency
Liver Disease

Frequently asked Questions about Methylphenidate

Is this Methylphenidate habit forming or addictive?

You may get addicted to Methylphenidate. Therefore, before taking it, consult your doctor.

Yes
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?

After taking Methylphenidate you may feel sleepy. So it is not advised to perform these activities.

Dangerous
Is it safe?

Yes, but take Methylphenidate only as per medical advice.

Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
Is it able to treat mental disorders?

Methylphenidate is unable to treat or cure mental disorders.

No

Methylphenidate Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Interaction between Food and Methylphenidate

You can take Methylphenidate with food.

Safe
Interaction between Alcohol and Methylphenidate

Consuming Methylphenidate with alcohol can have many serious effects on your body.

Severe

See all substitutes for Methylphenidate

This medicine data has been created by -

Vikas Chauhan

B.Pharma, Pharmacy
5 Years of Experience

References

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Concerta® (methylphenidate HCl)

KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 487

April Hazard Vallerand, Cynthia A. Sanoski. [link]. Sixteenth Edition. Philadelphia, China: F. A. Davis Company; 2019: Page No 840-843

Methylphenidate Tablet