Methylin

Who is Methylin for ?

Methylphenidate is used to treat attention-deficit disorder and narcolepsy (uncontrolled desire for, or attacks of, sleep). this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Methylphenidate also may be used to treat depression in elderly, cancer, and stroke patients. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

When should I be careful taking Methylin ?

Before taking methylphenidate,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to methylphenidate or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate) even if you stopped taking them in the last 2 weeks; anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin); medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil), impramine (Tofranil), and desipramine (Norpramin); guanethidine (Ismelin); medications for epilepsy such as phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), and primidone(Mysoline); and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had severe anxiety, tension, or agitation; glaucoma; motor tics or spasms; a history or family history of Tourette's syndrome; seizures; high blood pressure; mental illness; or a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking methylphenidate, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking methylphenidate.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Side Effects

Although side effects from methylphenidate are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• nervousness
• insomnia
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• headache
• loss of appetite

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• seizures or convulsions
• blurred vision
• agitation
• skin rash
• heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• fever
• sore throat
• unusual bleeding or bruising