Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements. Methylphenidate belongs to a group of medicines called stimulants. They increase activity in the brain, particularly in areas that help control attention and behaviour. It's not known exactly how methylphenidate works. It's thought to boost the levels of chemicals called dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain. This can increase activity in the parts of your child's brain that control attention and behaviour.
This makes them less hyperactive or impulsive. It will also help them to pay attention and concentrate better. When your child first starts taking methylphenidate they will be on a low dose. Your doctor will usually increase this gradually until they find the dose that works for your child. This means it might take a few weeks before you see any benefits. When your doctor has found the right dose, methylphenidate should start to work within 30 to 60 minutes of your child taking it.
The medicine makes your child less hyperactive or impulsive, and helps their concentration. Your child may need to take methylphenidate for several months or even years.
They will not usually need to take it for the rest of their life. Your doctor may recommend stopping methylphenidate for a while, or reducing the dose. As your child gets to puberty, or just after, the doctor may stop their methylphenidate. But if the medicine is still helping, they may recommend that your child keep taking it, even as an adult. There is no evidence that methylphenidate is harmful as long as it is taken exactly as prescribed and your child is monitored carefully.
If your child suddenly stops taking methylphenidate, you may notice withdrawal symptoms such as depression. Talk to your doctor if you want to stop giving your child methylphenidate. They may want to slowly reduce the amount that your child takes before stopping completely. This is to help avoid any extra side effects.
Do not stop giving methylphenidate to your child suddenly. Talk to your doctor first, as they may want to reduce the dose gradually. This reduces the risk of your child having extra side effects when they stop taking this medicine.
Addiction problems usually only occur if you give methylphenidate more often than prescribed, or at a higher dose than recommended. You can give your child painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen , unless your doctor has told you not to. If a child has ADHD, their doctor will usually only prescribe a medicine if other treatments have not helped. Their symptoms may still be causing problems, even after trying practical things like:. Medicines are usually only used for ADHD as part of a treatment programme.
Other treatments can include:. Some people find that methylphenidate does not work for their child. In this case, the doctor may recommend trying a different medicine or psychological treatments. Other medicines for ADHD include dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine and atomoxetine. Non-medicine treatments for ADHD include, behavioural therapy and talking therapy. Speak to your doctor if you are interested in finding out about alternative treatments.
Do not stop giving your child methylphenidate without talking to your doctor first. Howeve, the evidence is very limited and more research is needed. Talk to your doctor before giving any supplements to your child. This is because some can react with medicine - causing side effects, or can make the medicine work less well.
Page last reviewed: 27 July Next review due: 27 July Methylphenidate for children - Brand names: Ritalin, Concerta, Medikinet, Delmosart, Equasym On this page About methylphenidate for children Key facts Who can and cannot take methylphenidate How and when to give methylphenidate to children Side effects How to cope with side effects of methylphenidate Cautions with other medicines Common questions about methylphendiate for children.
About methylphenidate for children Methylphenidate belongs to a group of medicines, called stimulants. Methylphenidate is a controlled drug, which means that you may have to prove your identity when collecting your prescription. Collect your prescription within 28 days. If your child takes extended release methylphenidate, give it to them once a day. If they are taking immediate release tablets or capsules, your doctor may recommend giving it up to 3 times a day.
Methylphenidate makes your child less hyperactive and impulsive, and helps them concentrate. Methylphenidate for children is also known by the brand names Matoride, Tranquilin, Xaggitin and Xenidate. Tell your child's doctor before they start taking this medicine if: they have ever had an allergic reaction to methylphenidate or any other medicine they have difficulty swallowing, as some brands may not be suitable they have heart problems they have an overactive thyroid have a tumour in the adrenal gland phaeochromocytoma they have mental health problems or a close family member has mental health problems they have high blood pressure or problems with their blood vessels, such as vasculitis they have epilepsy they have sudden muscle twitches in their face or body tics , or there is a close family member with Tourette's syndrome either they or a a close family member has glaucoma.
Dosage The usual dose of methylphenidate depends on whether your child has immediate release or extended release medicine. Dose for immediate release tablets and capsules The usual starting dose for children is 5mg, given once or twice a day. Dosage for extended release tablets and capsules Extended release tablets and capsules start to work with a first release of the medicine into the body.
The usual starting dose for: tablets is 18mg, given once in the morning - your child's doctor may gradually increase the dose by 18mg at a time usually weekly, up to 54mg max until they find the dose that works well for your child.
How to give children tablets or capsules Give your child the tablets or capsules with a drink of water, milk or juice. Important Do not crush or break extended release tablets because the medicine will not work properly. Will their dose go up or down? Like with all medications, you may not notice the effects of Ritalin immediately. Especially when it comes to certain mental illnesses, you may not be able to spot improvement within yourself. Ritalin works best when combined with therapy.
To learn more about ADHD and its treatment options, contact our team of medical professionals here. Visit here to learn more about ritalin and its side effects, or call for more information. Tags: Ritalin. How long after taking this ADHD medication will you start to feel the effects? What Is Ritalin? Stimulant drugs like Ritalin and Adderall may help a person to be more attentive, stay focused on a task, and listen to instructions.
These results may not be apparent at first, and some people notice side effects before an improvement in symptoms. These should be manageable for most people, and they may fade after a few weeks of taking the medication. Non-stimulant drugs for ADHD can also cause side effects. Sexual side effects can also occur. A person may experience a loss of interest in sex or trouble having an orgasm.
While side effects show that the drug is having an effect on the body, they do not always indicate that the medicine is working. Anyone who experiences side effects without noticing a change in their symptoms may need to see a doctor, who can alter their dosage or switch their medication.
Signs that medication should be changed vary. The dosage may be too high or low, or an individual may need a different type of medicine. A mental health professional can identify patterns in behavior and help a person to work toward personal goals. This can stimulate brain function and release pent-up energy.
Chemical medications are designed to increase receptors in the brain, and exercise may have a similar effect. Mindfulness meditation can help to calm the mind. It may be a beneficial addition in a broader ADHD treatment. Doctors often have to fine-tune dosages, and some people may notice side effects more than an improvement in symptoms. Anyone feeling unsatisfied with the results of their medication or experiencing side effects with no reduction in symptoms should see a doctor to discuss other options.
0コメント