Explanation

Methylphenidate hydrochloride (also called Ritalin®, Concerta XL and Medikinet amongst others) is a medicine to help control your ADHD.

How does it work?

Methylphenidate hydrochloride kicks your central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord) into action!

It does this by increasing the amount of a certain type of neurotransmitter in your frontal lobe. These are dopamine neurotransmitters. Dopamine neurotransmitters carry messages about attention.

After you take the medicine, the neurons in your frontal lobe can send dopamine neurotransmitters to all the other lobes of your brain so that they get the messages about attention. Your brain can then tell you to pay more attention!

More attention means you can concentrate more easily. You will find it much less hard to do things like staying focused in school and finishing your homework. This also means that you are less hyperactive - you will be able to sit still for longer and won't feel as restless.

What does it look like?

Methylphenidate hydrochloride comes as a white tablet that you swallow.

When do I have to take it?

You will probably have to take methylphenidate hydrochloride once or twice every day. It's best to take it at the same time each day, and swallow the tablet with a glass of water.

But what if I don't feel like taking it?

It's important to take your methylphenidate hydrochloride every day, even if you don't feel like it. If you stop taking methylphenidate hydrochloride your ADHD might come back.

Even if the adults looking after you forget - go and remind them!

What should I do if I forget to take it?

If you miss a dose, take the next dose at the usual time. Don't take twice as much next time to catch up.

Remember the three Ds: Don't Double Dose!

How much do I take?

That depends on how old you are, and how bad your ADHD is.

Your doctor will decide what your own perfect dose is.

What are the most likely side effects I might get?

The most likely side effects that you might have with methylphenidate hydrochloride are feeling nervous and not being able to sleep. You may also lose your appetite, although this usually comes back after a short while.

Tell your doctor if these side effects don't go away, as he or she might need to change your dose or give you a different medicine to use instead.

What other side effects might I get?

Less likely side effects that you might get include:

Itching, bruising or unusual bleeding

A sore throat that doesn't go away

A high temperature (fever)

Painful joints or muscles

A fast heartbeat or feeling your heart beating

Losing your hair

Sudden changes in your moods

Having an upset or sore tummy

Tell your doctor if you have any of these side effects, although they may go after a few days.

Don't stop taking methylphenidate hydrochloride without asking your doctor first.

Are there any other side effects you haven't mentioned?

Some other side effects you may get, but which are unusual, include:

A skin rash

A pain in your Chest

Twitches

seizures

Growing slower than normal if you take it for a long time - but if this happens you usually catch up with your friends when you stop taking methylphenidate hydrochloride

Getting more hyperactive

Headache

Feeling tired

Getting blurred vision

Dry mouth

Liver problems

Losing a little weight

These side effects are usually not very bad at all and may go away after a few days.

Don't stop taking methylphenidate hydrochloride without asking your doctor first.

Is it safe for me to be taking it?

Before using methylphenidate hydrochloride, you should tell your doctor about any other medical problems that you know you have. Especially if you:

Often feel nervous or sad

Have a nervous tic or twitch (or if someone in your family has these)

Have Tourette's syndrome (or if someone in your family has Tourette's syndrome)

Have, or have ever had, any heart problems

Have problems with your thyroid

Have high blood pressure

Have glaucoma

Have epilepsy

And remember to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to methylphenidate hydrochloride or any of the ingredients in it. Methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets contain lactose and wheat products.

Is it OK for me to take methylphenidate hydrochloride if I'm already taking other medicine?

Make sure you tell your doctor it you're taking any other medicines for your ADHD.

You should also mention if you're taking anything for other medical problems, including drugs, special foods or herbal remedies.

It's especially important to tell your doctor if you're taking medicines:

for depression

for epilepsy

that affect blood pressure - some cough and cold medicines can affect blood pressure, so it's important to check with your pharmacist

that thin your blood to stop it clotting too much (for example anticoagulants like warfarin)

A drug called phenylbutazone

Do I need to know anything else about methylphenidate hydrochloride?

The first time you take methylphenidate hydrochloride, you may feel dizzy or tired. Make sure there is someone with you and you're not doing anything active - you don't want to have an accident!

Remember that methylphenidate hydrochloride is especially for you - never ever give it to other people to try, even if they also have ADHD!

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people with ADHD in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.