Equasym XL (methylphenidate) is a prescription medication indicated to help control the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children over the age of 6. This medication, which is marketed under the brand name Ritalin within the United States, works by stimulating the central nervous system and regulating specific chemicals within the brain that are responsible for controlling mood and behavior. Equasym XL is administered as a once-daily treatment and helps control ADHD symptoms all day.
Insomnia
Treatment with Equasym XL can cause children to become unusually nervous or restless as side effects of this medication. Increased hyperactivity can interfere with a child's ability to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night--a condition called insomnia. In the prescribing guidelines for this medication, it was reported that more than 10 percent of patients receiving treatment with Equasym XL experienced nervousness and sleeplessness during treatment, explains the North and East Devon Healthcare Community, a health care provider within the United Kingdom.
Stomach Upset
Stomach upset side effects can arise in certain patients receiving treatment with Equasym XL. These stomach-related side effects can include heartburn, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting or stomach pain, explains Medline Plus, a health information resource supported by the National Institutes of Health. Certain patients can also experience diarrhea during treatment, which can contribute to sensations of bloating or cramping within the abdomen. These stomach-upset side effects can be limited by eating a small meal or snack before taking a dose of Equasym XL.
Mood Changes
Patients taking Equasym XL can develop unusual mood changes as a side effect of treatment. Depression, anxiety, irritability, agitation, aggression or otherwise abnormal behavior can occur in patients during treatment, warns NetDoctor, a health information website supported by healthcare professionals within the United Kingdom. These side effects can have a negative impact on a patient's work, social or intimate relationships and should be immediately discussed with a doctor if they occur.
Heart Rate Abnormalities
Heart rate abnormalities can develop in certain patients as a side effect of Equasym XL treatment, explains Drugs.com, an informational peer-reviewed drug product website for consumers. These heart rate changes can include a fast or irregular heartbeat, which may occur in conjunction with blurred vision, dizziness or headache.
Muscle Tremors
During treatment with Equasym XL, patients can develop involuntary muscle shaking or tremors, explains Medline Plus. These side effects can also occur in conjunction with muscle tightness, which may affect a patient's ability to remain stable while walking. Certain patients also experience abnormal tingling or numb sensations within the feet or hands during treatment. Contact a doctor if these side effects persist or worsen while taking Equasym XL.
Dependence
Health officials at Medline Plus warn that the use of Equasym XL can be habit-forming in certain patients. To avoid the side effects of dependence, only take Equasym XL at the dosage and frequency prescribed by a doctor.
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