Methylphenidate, also known as methylphenidylacetate hydrochloride, is a medication designed to help treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and the sudden sleep disorder called narcolepsy. Potential users of the drug will likely benefit from gaining knowledge beforehand about the risks, benefits and general safety guidelines associated with methylphenidate products.
Effects
Methylphenidate achieves its effects by stimulating the increased production of a brain chemical called dopamine, which helps control body functions such as attention and movement, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Inappropriate use of the drug can disrupt your normal brain functions and trigger chemical dependency. To provide the best therapeutic benefits of methylphenidate while avoiding any possibility of addiction, your doctor will typically prescribe a low dose of the medication and then increase it gradually until reaching an effective treatment level.
Available Forms
Commercially available forms of methylphenidate include Ritalin, Methylin, Metadate and Concerta, according to MedlinePlus. These products come in dosage types that include chewable tablets, immediate-release tablets, intermediate-acting extended-release tablets, long-acting extended release capsules and liquid solution. Typically, you will take the chewable tablets, solution or immediate-release tablets two or three times daily; the intermediate-acting tablets once or twice daily; and the long-acting tablets or capsules once daily.
Contraindications
You should strictly avoid using methylphenidate if you have medical conditions such as heart failure, angina, glaucoma, extreme high blood pressure, Tourette's syndrome, severe anxiety, fructose intolerance or recent experience of a heart attack, according to Drugs.com. You should also strictly avoid using methylphenidate within a two-week period following the use of any medication from the class of drugs called MAO inhibitors. Examples of these medications include Nardil, Parnate and Marplan.
Side Effects
Use of methylphenidate can trigger significant or serious side effects, according to MedlinePlus. Speak with your doctor if you experience persistent or severe forms of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sleeplessness, stomach pain, appetite loss, headache or heartburn. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any degree of symptoms such as depression, hallucinations, chest pain, heartbeat irregularities, abnormal fatigue, speaking or breathing difficulties, vision abnormalities, fever, rash, body tics, or seizures.
Considerations
Proper use of methylphenidate or other stimulant medications in childhood does not appear to contribute to any alcohol or drug abuse problems in adulthood, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports. If you use methylphenidate for recreational purposes, weight loss or any other unsupervised reason, in addition to addiction, you may experience complications such as paranoia, hostility and cardiovascular disruption, leading to stroke.
