Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
METHYLPHENIDATE SUSTAINED ACTION, OSMOTIC - ORAL
(meth-ill-FEN-eh-date)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Concerta
Uses
This medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
How To Use
Take this medication once daily in the morning. It can be taken with or without meals. Swallow this medication whole with a full glass of liquid. Do not chew, crush or divide it. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a long period of time, do not suddenly stop using this without first consulting your doctor. When used for extended periods, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if the medication isn't working well.
Side Effects
Loss of appetite, blurred vision, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, dry mouth, stomach upset, sleeplessness, irritability or constipation may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Inactive parts of this drug may be passed in your stool as a harmless soft mass that may look like the original tablet. This is normal for this drug. Notify your doctor if you experience: weight loss, chest pain, nervousness, pounding heart, difficulty urinating, mood changes, yellowing eyes and skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: seizures or motor tics, Tourette's disorder, glaucoma, high blood pressure, severe anxiety, alcoholism, drug dependence, mental conditions, narrowing or blockage of the esophagus/stomach/intestines (e.g., esophageal stricture, small bowel obstruction), any allergies. If this medication makes you dizzy or lightheaded, use caution driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Methylphenidate should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if methylphenidate passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications taken with this drug could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or after treatment with this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information. Before using this medication, tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription drugs you may use, especially: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), medications for seizures, medicine for depression (tricyclics such as amitriptyline), high blood pressure medicine (e.g., guanethidine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dilated pupils, vomiting, nervousness, agitation, twitching, tremors, flushing, sweating, severe or persistent headache, seizures, irregular heartbeat, dry mouth, and loss of consciousness.
Notes
Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered and take any remaining doses at evenly spaced times. If it is near bedtime or near time for the next dose, skip that dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
