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Commonly Asked Questions About Ritalin(R)
by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.
- What Could Happen If Methylphenidate Is Stopped Suddenly?
There are no medical problems in doing this. A few children may experience irritability, trouble sleeping, or increased hyperactivity for a day or two, if they have been on daily medication for a long time, especially at higher doses. Sometimes it is better to stop the medication gradually, over a week or so.
- How Will The Doctor Monitor The Methylphenidate?
From time to time, the doctor or nurse will check height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure. The doctor will ask for regular reports from your child's teacher(s) to check on learning and behavior.
- How Long Will Methylphenidate Be Needed?
There is now way to know how long a person will need to take the medicine. Sometimes the medicine is needed for only a few years, but some people may need help from medicine even as adults.
- Taking Methylphenidate With Other Medications
It is not a good idea to combine stimulant medicines with nasal decongestants such as are found in common over-the-counter cold medications, because this may cause rapid pulse or high blood pressure to develop. If nasal congestion is severe, it is better to use a nasal spray. Check with the pharmacist before giving an over-the-counter medicine. Also, many children with ADHD become cranky or more hyperactive on antihistamines (like Benadryl®). If medicine for allergies is needed, ask for one of the antihistamines that does not enter the brain (like Seldane® or Hismanal®).
Taking methylphenidate together with an antidepressant medication like imipramine (Tofranil®) or desipramine (Norpamin®) may cause irritability and confusion, or severe problems with emotions and behavior such as fighting and hallucinations. However, there may be times when the two medicines may be used together, very carefully.
- What Else Should I Know About Methylphenidate?
Some young people take the medicine three or four times a day, every day. Others only need to take it once or twice a day and only on school days. You and the doctor will work out what is best.
It is important not to chew Ritalin SR® tablets because this releases too much medicine all at once.
If the medicine seems to stop working, it may be because it is not being given regularly (especially at school), because your child has gained weight and needs a higher dose, or because something at school or at home, or in the neighborhood, is upsetting your child. Please discuss your concerns with your doctor.
Many people have incorrect information about methylphenidate. Methylphenidate does not cause illegal drug use or addiction. Methylphenidate does not stop working at puberty. If you hear anything that worries you, please check with your child's doctor.
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Created January 06, 2001
Reviewed August 15, 2004
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