Misuse or abuse of methylphenidate can result in serious (possibly fatal) heart and blood pressure problems.
This medication can be habit-forming and should be used cautiously by people who have mental/mood disorders or a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a personal or family history of a substance use disorder. Do not increase your dose, use it more often, or use it for a longer time or in a different way than prescribed. Doing so may result in a decrease in the effect of this drug, drug dependence, or abnormal thoughts/behavior.
Your doctor may monitor you for a while after the medication is stopped, especially if you have used this drug for a long time or in high doses. (See also How to Use section.
Misuse or abuse of methylphenidate can result in serious (possibly fatal) heart and blood pressure problems.
This medication can be habit-forming and should be used cautiously by people who have mental/mood disorders or a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a personal or family history of a substance use disorder. Do not increase your dose, use it more often, or use it for a longer time or in a different way than prescribed. Doing so may result in a decrease in the effect of this drug, drug dependence, or abnormal thoughts/behavior.
Your doctor may monitor you for a while after the medication is stopped, especially if you have used this drug for a long time or in high doses. (See also How to Use section.
Uses
This medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - ADHD. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It can help increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. It may also help you to organize your tasks and improve listening skills.
How to use
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using methylphenidate and each time you get a refill. Read and follow all directions in the Instructions for Use. Learn how to properly use, store, and discard the patches. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Apply this medication to the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning, 2 hours before you need the effects of this drug. Then remove the patch as directed by your doctor, usually 9 hours later. Applying this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia). If you apply this patch in the early morning and still have trouble sleeping, your doctor may direct you to remove the patch within less than 9 hours. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions.
This medication should be applied to a clean, dry area of skin on the hip. Before applying the patch, gently wash, rinse, and dry the application area. Do not apply to cut or irritated skin. Remove the patch from the pouch and apply right away as directed. Do not cut the patch. When using a new patch the next day, apply to an area of skin on the other hip to avoid irritation. Do not apply a heating pad or other heat to the patch area since this may increase the risk of side effects. Bathing, swimming, or showering may affect how well the patch stays on the skin. If the patch does not stick properly or falls off, replace with a new patch at another site. Remove the new patch at your usual time, usually 9 hours after applying the first patch.
After removing the patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides together and throw it away as directed. Do not touch the sticky side with your fingers. Wash your hands after applying or removing the patch.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may direct you to gradually increase or decrease your dose. Also, if you have used it for a long time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without consulting your doctor.
If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental/mood changes). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used methylphenidate for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.
When used for a long time, this medication may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Use this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.