Ritalin - for ADHD :)

Ritalin
Generic Name: methylphenidate (METH il FEN i date)Brand Names: Concerta, Metadate CD, Metadate ER, Methylin, Methylin ER, Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Ritalin-SR

What is Ritalin?

Ritalin is a mild central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.
Ritalin is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy (an uncontrollable desire to sleep). When given for attention deficit disorder, Ritalin should be an integral part of a total treatment program that includes psychological, educational, and social measures.
Ritalin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Ritalin?

Do not use Ritalin if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you use Ritalin before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Do not use Ritalin if you are allergic to methylphenidate or if you have glaucoma, tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette's syndrome, depression, or severe anxiety, tension, or agitation (Ritalin can make these symptoms worse). Ritalin may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Ritalin should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ritalin?

Do not take Ritalin if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you use Ritalin before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
Do not use Ritalin if you are allergic to methylphenidate or if you have:

-glaucoma;
-a personal or family history of tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette's syndrome; or
-severe anxiety, tension, or agitation (Ritalin can make these symptoms worse).

Some stimulants have caused sudden death in children and adolescents with serious heart problems or congenital heart defects.
Before using Ritalin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

-a congenital heart defect;
-high blood pressure;
heart failure, heart rhythm disorder, or recent heart attack;
a personal or family history of mental illness, psychotic disorder, bipolar illness, depression, or ---suicide attempt;
-epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or
-a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Ritalin, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Ritalin is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Ritalin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Ritalin without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Long-term use of Ritalin can slow a child's growth. Tell your doctor if the child using Ritalin is not growing or gaining weight properly.

Do not give Ritalin to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of a doctor.