Online Pharmacy

What is Ritalin?

Ritalin is the trade name of Methylphenidate which works as mild stimulant to the central nervous systems (brain and nerves). Its effects are similar to, but more potent than caffeine and less potent than amphetamine.
Ritalin is used in the treatment of narcolepsy in adult and attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.
Ritalin is used for the stimulant effect it produces, including appetite suppression, wakefulness, euphoria, and increased focus and attentiveness.

Precautions to be taken while on Ritalin

Since Ritalin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, impaired concentration, blurred vision hence one may be very much cautious while driving or operating heavy machinery.
Ritalin tablets should not be crushed or chewed; instead it should be swallowed whole with water or another beverage. Ritalin tablets are specially formulated to release medication slowly in the body.
Ritalin should be avoided if one have taken monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (marplan), phenelzine (Nardil) or tanylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.
In case a patient suffering from an allergy to the Ritalin group (methylphenidate), severe tension, agitation, anxiety, glaucoma, a psychotic condition such as schizophrenia, hypertension or in other words high blood pressure, epilepsy or any other seizure disorder, a narrowing blockage of gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, or intestines) then he or she should consult his or her doctor in details regarding the above said diseases and then in take Ritalin.
Children in taking Ritalin may suffer from suppression of growth and hence growth should be monitored during treatment and children who are not growing or gaining weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted and have to take the advice of their doctors immediately.

Right Dosage of Ritalin

Ritalin tablets are available in 5, 10, and 20 mg tablets. The tablets typically are white and yellow in color.
Ritalin tablets or capsules should be taken as directed by one’s physician.
Each dose of Ritalin tablets should be taken with a glass full of water (8 ounces of water). In taking Ritalin drug without adequate liquid may cause swelling which will lead to choking.
Each dose of Ritalin tablets should be taken thirty to forty five minutes before a meal.
Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.
Ritalin tablets should be stored at room temperature in places which are free from moist and heat.

What happens if a patient miss a dose?

If a patient misses a dose then he or she should in take the same as soon as he or she remembers. But if he or she remembers the missed dose at such a time when it is almost time for the scheduled next dose then he or she should skipped the missed dose until and unless directed by his or her doctor. Double dose of this particular drug is strictly not recommended.

What happens if a patient overdose?

 If a patient overdoses the Ritalin drug then he or she would experience the symptoms of tremors (shaking), agitation, muscle twitches, confusion, sweating, headache, seizures, hallucinations, flushing, large pupils, fast or irregular heartbeat, and dryness of the mouth and eyes.

Side Effects of Ritalin

If a patient experience any of the below mentioned symptoms or in other words side effects then he or she should immediately stop taking the drug and immediately consult his or her doctor for emergency medical attention.
An irregular or fast heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue and face.
Chest Pain or high blood pressure
Unusual behavior or confusion
Liver damage
Nervousness
Dizziness
Headache,
Nausea or vomiting.

Withdrawal symptoms of Ritalin

Ritalin withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to :
Agitation, insomnia
Abdominal cramps
Nausea
Severe emotional depression
Exhaustion Anxiety