[blparent] What is Retalin

[Veronica Smith]

What is Ritalin?
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a 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) and attention
deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD). Ritalin is also used in the treatment of a sleep disorder
called
narcolepsy (an uncontrollable desire to sleep). When given for attention
deficit
disorders, Ritalin should be an integral part of a total treatment program
that may
include counseling or other therapies.
Ritalin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Ritalin
Do not use Ritalin if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone
(Furoxone),
isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect),
selegiline (Eldepryl,
Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) 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 this medication if you are allergic to Ritalin or if
you have
glaucoma, overactive thyroid, severe high blood pressure, tics or Tourette's
syndrome,
angina, heart failure, heart rhythm disorder, recent heart attack, a
hereditary condition
such as fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or
sucrase-isomaltase
deficiency, or severe anxiety, tension, or agitation.
Ritalin may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was
prescribed
for. Never share Ritalin with another person, especially someone with a
history of
drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot
get to
it.
Before taking Ritalin
Do not take Ritalin if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone
(Furoxone),
isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect),
selegiline (Eldepryl,
Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) 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;
overactive thyroid;
severe high blood pressure;
angina (chest pain), heart failure, heart rhythm disorder, or recent heart
attack;
a personal or family history of tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette's
syndrome;
severe anxiety, tension, or agitation (methylphenidate can make these
symptoms worse);
or
a hereditary condition such as fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose
malabsorption,
or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency.
Some stimulants have caused sudden death in children and adolescents with
serious
heart problems or congenital heart defects. Tell your doctor if you have a
congenital
heart defect.
If you have any of these other conditions, your doctor may need to adjust
the dose
of Ritalin or order special tests:
a congenital heart defect;
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.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Ritalin will harm an
unborn baby.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using
this
medication. It is not known whether methylphenidate 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.
See also:
Ritalin pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings
 (in more detail)
** Long-term use of Ritalin can slow a child's growth. Tell your doctor if
the child
using this medication 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.
Ads