Methylphenidate ER (cd) Coupons & Discount Card - Compare Prices Near You

Methylphenidate is a medication that requires careful handling due to the potential for serious heart and blood pressure issues if misused or abused. It has the potential to be habit-forming, so caution is advised for individuals with mental or mood disorders, or a history of substance use disorders, including drug or alcohol addiction.

• Inform your healthcare provider if you or your family have a history of substance use disorders before starting this medication.
• Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage and duration; do not increase the dose, take it more frequently, or use it in any manner other than directed. Deviating from medical advice may reduce the medication's effectiveness, lead to dependence, or cause unusual thoughts or behaviors.
• If you have been using methylphenidate for an extended period or in large doses, your doctor may continue to monitor you after discontinuation to observe any withdrawal effects.

By following these guidelines, you can help manage the risks associated with methylphenidate use effectively.

When taking this medication, you might experience mild side effects such as nervousness, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weight loss, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or headaches. These effects are usually temporary, but if they persist or worsen, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. This drug may also increase blood pressure, so checking it regularly is advised, and any high readings should be reported.

More serious side effects are less common but require immediate attention. These include symptoms like blood flow issues in fingers or toes (coldness, numbness, pain, or color changes), unusual wounds on fingers or toes, rapid or irregular heartbeat, mental changes (such as mood swings or thoughts of suicide), involuntary muscle movements, uncontrolled vocal outbursts, and vision changes. Slow-healing sores on fingers or toes should also be promptly addressed.

Seek urgent medical help if you experience fainting, seizures, heart attack symptoms (chest, jaw, or arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating), or stroke symptoms (sudden weakness on one side of the body, speech difficulties, confusion). Males, especially young boys and teens, should be aware of the rare but serious risk of a painful or prolonged erection lasting over four hours, which requires immediate medical intervention to prevent long-term issues.

Although a severe allergic reaction is rare, symptoms like rash, itching, swelling (especially on the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or breathing difficulties necessitate urgent medical attention. This summary does not cover all potential side effects, so if you observe any unlisted effects, seek advice from your healthcare provider.

Do not use this medication with MAO inhibitors, as this can lead to a serious and potentially life-threatening interaction. MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, and tranylcypromine, should not be taken during treatment with this drug. Generally, it is also advised to avoid MAO inhibitors for two weeks before starting this medication. Consult your doctor about when to begin or discontinue this medication.

Avoid alcohol while taking this medication, as it can cause the drug to be released too quickly, heightening the risk of side effects.

Certain brands of this medication may be affected by changes in stomach acid levels. If you are using products that reduce stomach acid, like antacids, ranitidine, or omeprazole, check with your pharmacist to determine if your medication might be impacted.

Methylphenidate is very similar to dexmethylphenidate. Do not take dexmethylphenidate-containing products while using methylphenidate.

This medication may interfere with specific medical or laboratory tests, such as brain scans for Parkinson's disease, potentially leading to inaccurate results. Ensure all your healthcare providers and lab technicians are aware that you are using this medication.