Ritalin (Methylphenidate) by Novartis

What is Ritalin?

Ritalin is a potent medication used for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children over 6 years old and adults. It is also prescribed for narcolepsy with uncontrolled sleepiness or for depression.

Ritalin contains the active ingredient Methylphenidate and a number of other ingredients such as gelatin, lactose, lactose monohydrate, wheat starch, magnesium stearate (vegetable), talc, tricalcium phosphate, and gluten.

How does Ritalin work?

For Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the active ingredient Methylphenidate increases attention and reduces restlessness. For narcolepsy, Ritalin helps stimulate patients to prevent inappropriate sleep.

Usage and Dosage of Ritalin

Before using Ritalin, the cardiovascular status, blood pressure, and heart rate of the patient should be checked.

Ritalin tablets are taken orally with a glass of water, either during or without a meal.

Typical Dosage

Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Children over 6 years: The starting dose is Ritalin 0.3 mg/kg, taken in the morning and at noon. The maximum daily dose is 60 mg.

Generally, the daily dose is 1 mg in 2 or 3 doses per day. Ritalin should not be taken in the evening to prevent nervousness and insomnia.

The duration of treatment with Ritalin for ADHD in children and adolescents can exceed 12 months.

Treatment of Narcolepsy

For adults: The starting dose of Ritalin is 10 to 15 mg per day. The dose should be gradually increased weekly until the maximum dose of 60 mg is reached. The recommended daily dose for adults is 20 to 30 mg.

Discontinuation of Ritalin: Discontinuation of Ritalin should be done under extended medical supervision, as misuse of the medication can lead to severe depression.

Side Effects of Ritalin

Side effects of Ritalin tablets include:

• Excitement
• Muscle cramps
• Anorexia
• Anemia
• Nervousness
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Decreased cell count (Pancytopenia)
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Teary eyes
• Tics
• Mood changes
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Libido disorders
• Vomiting

To stop Ritalin-induced hair loss, Propecia (Finasteride) can be used. However, this medication is only suitable for men. There are no known interactions between Finasteride and Methylphenidate. Consult your doctor to see if you can use Propecia.

Contraindications for Ritalin (Methylphenidate)

Ritalin is not recommended in the following cases:

• Allergy to Methylphenidate
• Heart diseases
• High blood pressure
• Use of MAO inhibitors
• Breastfeeding
• Pregnancy
• Severe depression
• Glaucoma
• Mania
• Hyperthyroidism
• Anorexia
• Bipolar disorder
• Angina pectoris
• Previous stroke
• Stomach ulcers

Warnings and Precautions

Before purchasing and taking Ritalin, please inform your doctor about:

• Blood pressure
• Heart problems
• Persistent erection (Priapism) or conditions that predispose to Priapism
• Drug addiction
• Palpitations
• Epilepsy
• Anxiety
• Anemia

Ritalin and Sports

Ritalin is sometimes used illegally in sports to enhance performance because it stimulates the central nervous system and releases dopamine. Ritalin (Methylphenidate) is banned in most sports as it is classified as a doping agent in Germany and many other countries.

Interactions with Ritalin

Ritalin tablets can interact with the following medications and substances:

• Antidepressants and MAO inhibitors (Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
• Epilepsy medications
• Blood thinners
• Blood pressure medications
• Cold or allergy medications with decongestant effects

Ritalin and Alcohol

Alcohol should be avoided by patients taking Ritalin, as it can reduce the effectiveness of Methylphenidate or lead to harmful interactions.

Ritalin and Tramadol

The combination of Ritalin and Tramadol is not recommended due to a high risk of seizures. This risk is particularly high in older patients. Patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse, seizures, central nervous system disorders, or brain tumors are particularly susceptible to seizures with these medications.

Consult your doctor if you have any concerns. The doctor may adjust the dosage or prescribe medications that do not interact with each other. If undergoing treatment with these potent medications, avoid alcohol, and refrain from driving or operating machinery.

Foods and Beverages

Foods containing Vitamin C, including fruits, juices, broccoli, strawberries, potatoes, and tomatoes, can interact with Ritalin and impair its effectiveness. You do not need to completely avoid these foods but try to consume them about an hour before or after taking Ritalin.

Avoid carbonated drinks (sparkling water, cola, lemonade) for an hour before and after your daily Ritalin dose to prevent reduced absorption of the active ingredient.

Important Information

Ritalin is often used as a doping agent. Professional athletes should avoid using it if they plan to participate in competitions.

Before starting treatment with Ritalin, the cardiovascular system, blood pressure, and heart rate of the patient should be checked.