Precautions and Warnings With Methylphenidate

An awareness of precautions and warnings with methylphenidate can ensure a safe treatment process. The drug is not suitable for everyone, including those who have certain allergies, glaucoma, or have used an MAOI recently. Taking it for long periods of time or in high doses can lead to addiction and abuse. Other precautions and warnings with methylphenidate include possible side effects, such as increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and weight loss.

Methylphenidate HCl

Methylphenidate: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin^®) if you have:

Heart problems of any kind, including heart disease, congestive heart failure, certain irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or 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 or epilepsy
Tourette syndrome
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Glaucoma (a condition of the eye)
Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.

Also let your healthcare provider know if you:

Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
Are breastfeeding.

It's important to also tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

(Precautions and Warnings With Methylphenidate Continued: Page 2)