Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and Safety – Doctor Explains

In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Methylphenidate, also known as Concerta or Ritalin. This video is part a series about mental health issues. This playlist contains more videos on mental health:
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Generic name: Methylphenidate.
Brand names: Ritalin, Concerta.
It is available in capsules, modified release tablets, and tablets.

How do you use it?
– Tablet: Take half of the tablet and drink half a glass water. You can chew the tablet or break it.
– Modified release tablets or capsules: Take it with water. But don’t break the tablet and don’t chew on it. This could reduce its effectiveness.
It is also a good idea to take Methylphenidate with a meal. This can reduce your chance of side effects.

When should it be used?
Methylphenidate stimulates the central nervous system. It is similar to amphetamines. It can be used for ADHD and narcolepsy, as well as during palliative sedation.

How do you determine the right dosage?
The exact dose you need will depend on the indication you are using, side effects you may experience, severity of your symptoms, and brand of methylphenidate that you use.

ADHD symptoms can be treated with regular tablets for children over 6 years old or adults. The usual starting dose is 5mg 2x/day. This can be gradually increased to 60mg/day if necessary.
It is important to know that modified release capsules and tablets may have different dosages.
Your doctor may prescribe 10mg/ 2-3 daily for adults with narcolepsy.

What are the most common side effects?
– Common (10%): symptoms include: insomnia, anxiety, headaches, palpitations and nausea.
Common (1 -10%): upper-respiratory tract infection): Shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and cough.
Uncommon (0.1-1%) Hypersensitivity reactions, psychotic disorders and suicidal thoughts, hallucinations.
– Very rare (0. 01-0.1%): mania, libido disorder, disorientation, chest pain, visual impairment and menstrual disorder.

Safety:
Be careful not to mix methylphenidate and alcohol. This could increase the drowsiness of methylphenidate.
It can also be dangerous to drive after taking this drug. It can make you sleepy, dizzy, or drowsy. Please don’t drive if you experience any of these side effects. This is especially true during the first few weeks of using the device.
You should also be aware that methylphenidate may interact with other medications you are currently taking. Always discuss these matters with your doctor.
The effects of methylphenidate on pregnancy and breastfeeding have not been properly studied. It could prove to be very dangerous, so it should be avoided. Discuss this with your doctor as there may be exceptions.

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Disclaimer: This video and all comments are for informational purposes only. This video is not intended to be a source of medical advice. For medical advice, always consult your doctor. –

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Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2021). Methylfenidaat
2: Apotheek.nl (2021). Methylfenidaat

Images in this video are for educational purposes only. The majority of the videos and images in this video are
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Music:
1. Verified Picasso, Fish Room
2. Patrick Patrikos, Good Times
3: Patrick Patrikios, Rockville
4: Patrick Patrikios, Grut

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