Precautions
Before taking methylphenidate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe anxiety/tension, certain mental/mood conditions (e.g., agitation, psychosis), heart/blood vessel disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat/rhythm, coronary artery disease, angina, heart failure, cardiomyopathy), problems with heart structure (e.g., valve problems), history of heart attack or stroke, glaucoma, motor tics. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood pressure (hypertension), family history of sudden death/irregular heartbeat/rhythm/heart disease (e.g., heart failure, recent heart attack, abnormal heart rhythm), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), family/personal history of mental/mood disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, depression, psychotic disorder, suicidal thoughts), seizures, esophagus/stomach/intestine problems (e.g., narrowing of the gut, gut motility disorders), verbal tics (diagnosis or family history of Tourette's syndrome). This drug may make you dizzy, lightheaded, (rarely) drowsy, or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. The tablet shells may be visible on an X-ray. Make sure X-ray personnel know that you use this drug. Though uncommon, depression itself can lead to thoughts or attempts of suicide. If you are being treated for depression, tell your doctor immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts or other mental/mood changes. Keep all medical appointments so your doctor can monitor your progress closely. Children younger than 6 years may be at greater risk for the side effects of this medication. This drug may affect your child's growth rate, weight, and final adult height, especially in children younger than 6 years. To reduce the risk, the doctor may recommend temporarily stopping the medication from time to time. Check your child's weight and height, and consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.