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Methylphenidate
from eMedTV.comYou should talk with your healthcare provider before taking this drug if you have:
- Heart problems of any kind, including:
- Heart disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Certain irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- A recent heart attack
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Mental illness, including bipolar disorder (manic depression) and psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder)
- Seizures
- Tourette syndrome
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Glaucoma (a condition of the eye)
- Any allergies.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are allergic to any medications
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Ritalin and Pregnant Women)
- Are breastfeeding
- Drink alcohol regularly (see Methylphenidate and Alcohol).
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Methylphenidate to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
People who take too much methylphenidate may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Hyperactivity (trouble sitting still)
- Rapid breathing
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Fever
- Muscle pains
- Shakiness
- Aggressiveness
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there).
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
(Click Ritalin Overdose for more information.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD