What is Methylphenidate XR: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Methylphenidate XR

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Extended-release capsule: Aptensio XR„¢ or Ritalin LA®: Take your medicine in the morning before breakfast. Swallow it whole with water or other liquid. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and mix the medicine with a tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow this mixture right away, and then drink some water. Do not chew or crush the mixture.

• If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

• Use only the brand of medicine your doctor prescribed. Other brands may not work the same way.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Drop off any unused medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Extended-release capsule: Aptensio XR„¢ or Ritalin LA®: Take your medicine in the morning before breakfast. Swallow it whole with water or other liquid. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and mix the medicine with a tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow this mixture right away, and then drink some water. Do not chew or crush the mixture.

• If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

• Use only the brand of medicine your doctor prescribed. Other brands may not work the same way.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Drop off any unused medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

What to do if you miss a dose of Methylphenidate XR

Methylphenidate XR contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to methylphenidate, or if you have glaucoma, an overactive thyroid, muscle tics, or a history of Tourette syndrome.

Methylphenidate XR warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, circulation problems, phenylketonuria, thyroid problems, asthma, or a history of seizures, heart attack, or stroke. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of depression, suicide, bipolar disorder, mental health problems, or drug or alcohol abuse.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Serious heart or blood vessel problems, including heart attack and stroke (especially in people who already have heart problems)High blood pressureProlonged and painful erectionPeripheral vasculopathy (a blood circulation problem), including Raynaud's phenomenonSlow growth and weight loss in children

• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• If you need surgery, tell the doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine. Medicines used during surgery can increase your blood pressure when used with this medicine.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Methylphenidate XR interactions

• Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days.

• Some medicines can affect how methylphenidate works. The specific medicines and foods of concern are different for different brands of methylphenidate. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Guanethidine, phenylbutazoneAntacid or other stomach medicine (including esomeprazole, famotidine, omeprazole, pantoprazole, sodium bicarbonate)Blood pressure medicineBlood thinner (including warfarin)Halogenated anesthetic medicineMedicine to treat depression (including clomipramine, desipramine, imipramine)Medicine to treat seizures (including phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone)

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.