Dexmethylphenidate tablets
Dexmethylphenidate tablets
What is this medicine?
DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE (dex meth ill FEN i date) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Federal law prohibits the transfer of this medicine to any person other than the person for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Usually the last dose of the day will be taken at least 4 to 6 hours before your normal bedtime, so it will not interfere with sleep. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
changes in vision
chest pain or chest tightness
fast, irregular heartbeat
fingers or toes feel numb, cool, painful
hallucination, loss of contact with reality
high blood pressure
males: prolonged or painful erection
seizures
severe headaches
shortness of breath
suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements
unusual bleeding or bruising
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
anxious
headache
loss of appetite
nausea, vomiting
trouble sleeping
weight loss
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
lithium
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
other stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
procarbazine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
atomoxetine
caffeine
certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
cold or allergy medicines
medicines that increase the blood pressure like dopamine, dobutamine, or ephedrine
warfarin
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.
This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medicine with a substance like cat litter or coffee grounds. Then throw the medicine away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
anxiety or panic attacks
circulation problems in fingers and toes
glaucoma
hardening or blockages of the arteries or heart blood vessels
heart disease or a heart defect
high blood pressure
history of a drug or alcohol abuse problem
history of stroke
liver disease
mental illness
motor tics, family history or diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome
seizures
suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. This prescription requires that you follow special procedures with your doctor and pharmacy. You will need to have a new written prescription from your doctor or health care professional every time you need a refill.
This medicine may affect your concentration, or hide signs of tiredness. Until you know how this drug affects you, do not drive, ride a bicycle, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness.
Tell your doctor or health care professional if this medicine loses its effects, or if you feel you need to take more than the prescribed amount. Do not change the dosage without talking to your doctor or health care professional.
For males, contact you doctor or health care professional right away if you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours or if it becomes painful. This may be a sign of serious problem and must be treated right away to prevent permanent damage.
Decreased appetite is a common side effect when starting this medicine. Eating small, frequent meals or snacks can help. Talk to your doctor if you continue to have poor eating habits. Height and weight growth of a child taking this medicine will be monitored closely.
Do not take this medicine close to bedtime. It may prevent you from sleeping.
If you are going to need surgery, a MRI, CT scan, or other procedure, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking this medicine before the procedure.
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional right away if you notice unexplained wounds on your fingers and toes while taking this medicine. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you experience numbness or pain, changes in the skin color, or sensitivity to temperature in your fingers or toes.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018