Ritalin LA

What is Ritalin LA?

Ritalin is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children aged at least six years. Some extended-release tablets can only be used to treat attention deficit disorder among adults aged between 65 and 6 years, as well as children older than 6 years. Ritalin LA is also used to treat a sleep disorder known as narcolepsy. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Ritalin LA.

Side effects of Ritalin LA

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue. Certain stimulants can cause strokes or heart attacks. They may also cause sudden death. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention.

Ritalin LA can cause serious side effects. If you experience:

• Signs of blood or heart circulation problems: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, numbness or cold sensation, pale fingers or toes
• Signs of mania, or psychosis—seeing or hearing something that is not real—aggression, paranoia, and decreased sleep need, as well as risk-taking behaviors, agitation, or talkativeness.
• A seizure (twitches), changes in vision, or blurred vision
• An uncomfortable erection lasting 4 or more hours should never be ignored, regardless of its source or symptoms.

Ritalin LA can affect growth in children. If your child's growth isn't normal while taking this medication, tell your doctor.

Ritalin LA side effects may include:

• Increased blood pressure; sweating
• Sleep problems (insomnia) and mood changes (anxiety)
• Restlessness, nervousness;
• Fast or irregular heart rate
• Loss of appetite Weight loss
• Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, upset stomach, or
• Headache, dizziness.

There may be other side effects.Call your doctor immediately if any side effects arise, and/or contact the FDA's 1-800-FDA-1088 hotline in order to report adverse events.

Similar/related drugs

Adderall, Vyvanse, methylphenidate, Strattera, Ritalin, and Concerto

Warnings

Stimulants can cause strokes, heart attacks, and sudden deaths in people who have high blood pressure or heart disease. Ritalin LA can become habit-forming. Abuse can lead to addiction, overdose, or death. Store the medication in a place where others cannot reach it. It is illegal to sell or give Ritalin LA away. If you experience chest pain, feel light-headed, see or hear things that aren't real, have a decreased need to sleep, become agitated, or have unexplained injuries on your fingers and toes, call your doctor immediately.

Before you take this drug

If you are allergic or have any of the following:

• Glaucoma;
• A personal or family history involving tics or Tourette syndrome
• Disturbed swallowing could be indicative of stomach or intestinal disorders.
• Severe anxiety, tension, or agitation. (Stimulant medicines can worsen these symptoms.)
• Inability to digest certain sugars
• If you've used an MAO-inhibitor in the last 14 days (such as isocarboxazid or linezolid injections, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine), then it may be necessary to avoid taking this medication.

Stimulants may lead to strokes, heart attacks and sudden deaths in some individuals. Be sure to inform your physician immediately if:

• Heart problems or defects;
• High blood pressure
• A family history of cardiac disease or sudden death

Inform your physician of any of the following issues:

• Depression; bipolar disorders; or thoughts or actions that are suicidal.
• Peripheral arterial disease, such as Raynaud syndrome.
• Seizures, epilepsy, or an abnormal brain wave test (EEG);
• Phenylketonuria;
• Alcoholism, or drug abuse.
• Allergic reaction to aspirin or yellow food dyes (tartrazine).

Ritalin LA is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your name could be added to a registry if you are pregnant in order to track the effects methylphenidate has on your baby. Your doctor can advise if breastfeeding while on this medication is safe. Involve your physician if your infant seems distressed, is having sleep difficulty or feeding issues.

How to take Ritalin LA?

Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed. Ritalin LA can become habit-forming. Abuse can lead to addiction, overdose, or death. Store the medication in a place where others cannot reach it. It is illegal to sell or give Ritalin LA away. If you change the brand, strength, or form of a medicine, your dose requirements may be different. Use only the medication prescribed by your doctor to avoid medication mistakes. Most brands of methylphenidate should be taken between 1 and 3 times per day. Jornay PM should only be taken in the evening. This medicine should not be taken more than once a day. Take it with water. Ritalin LA can be taken with or without food. Just make sure you take it in the same manner every time. Some methylphenidate brands need to be taken between 30 and 45 minutes prior to a meal. Do not chew, crush, break, or open the extended-release capsules or tablets.

Open the capsule and mix it with a soft food, such as yogurt or applesauce. The mixture should be swallowed immediately without chewing. You may pass a small piece of the extended-release tablet in your stool, but it will not affect its effectiveness. The chewable tablet must be chewed before it can be swallowed. Shake the orally suspended for at least 10 seconds. Measure liquid medication (solution or suspension) using the measuring device supplied (not a spoon). Only when you're ready to take the medicine should you remove the tablet with dry hands from its package. Allow the tablet to dissolve without chewing. Inform your doctor of any planned surgery. You may be required to undergo medical tests in order to determine your heart's function. Inform any doctor that treats you about your use of this medication. Counseling or other treatments may be included in your treatment. Keep leftover medication out of sight. One dose of a medication can be fatal if it is used incorrectly or accidentally. Talk to your pharmacist about the drug take-back programs. In a sealed bag, mix leftover medicine with coffee grounds or cat litter. Then throw it in the garbage. Store tightly in the original container, at room temperature, and away from moisture, light, heat, and heat. Store your medicine where it cannot be misused.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Jornay PM: skip the missed dose. Take your next dose as usual. Do not take more than one dose at a time.

What happens if I overdose?

Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. An overdose with Ritalin LA can be fatal.

What should be avoided?

Do not drink alcohol. Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have a better understanding of how Ritalin LA affects you. You may be unable to react properly.

Interaction with other drug

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including:

• A blood thinner: warfarin Coumadin Jantoven
• An antacid;
• Antidepressants are a type of medication.
• Seizure medication;
• Decongestants are found in cold or allergy medicines.

This list isn't complete. Many other drugs can affect Ritalin LA. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.