Author: Joshua Alexander, MD
COMMON USES:
Used as part of comprehensive program to treat Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
HOW IT'S SUPPLIED:
Ritalin? comes as 5-, 10, or 20-milligram tablets
Ritalin LA? comes in 20-, 30-, and 40-milligram extended-release capsules
Concerta? is available as a 18-, 36-, or 54-milligram tablets
Metadate-CD? comes in a 20-milligram capsule.
Daytrana? is available as a 10-, 15, 20- and 30-milligram patch.
HOW IT WORKS:
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, whose method of action in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not known, but may be related to normalizing levels of dopamine in the brain.
THINGS TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR DOCTOR:
* Should be used as part of a treatment program that includes behavior modification, educational interventions and therapies for patients with learning disabilities.
* May decrease appetite, cause stomach pain, cause restlessness, or lead to trouble falling asleep.
* May increase heart rate and blood pressure, and/or worsen seizures.
* May cause sudden death in children with heart problems.
* Don?t use in a child who has glaucoma, anxiety disorders, motor tics and/or Tourette's syndrome.
* Don?t use in a child who has marked anxiety, tension and agitation, since the drug may make these symptoms worse.
* Blood tests to check white blood cell, hemoglobin, and platelet counts should be done regularly while on this medication.
* Concerta? needs to be swallowed whole. It releases medicine into the system when the pill is first taken and then later on as well (called a "ramp effect.") lasting 12 hours so that it can be taken just once a day
* Metadate-CD? is taken once a day, before breakfast, where it releases some of its medicine immediately and then slowly releases the rest later on
* Metadate-CD? and Ritalin LA? capsules may be swallowed whole, or the capsule may be opened and sprinkled onto a small amount (tablespoon) of applesauce and given immediately.
* The Daytrana? patch is applied to the hip once each morning and lasts for 9-12 hours.
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