Ritalin (Methylphenidate 10mg | 20mg | 30mg | 40mg) Tablets

Uses of Ritalin

Ritalin is primarily used to treat:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): It is effective in managing symptoms such as distractibility, short attention span, and hyperactivity in children aged 6 years and older and in adults.

• Narcolepsy: It is used to promote wakefulness and reduce excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adults with this condition.

How Ritalin Works

Ritalin works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Specifically, it acts as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. This action helps to improve focus, concentration, and emotional control.

Common Ritalin Side Effects

Common side effects of Ritalin can include:

• Headaches.

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia).

• Loss of appetite and weight loss.

• Nervousness and restlessness.

• Dry mouth.

• Stomach pain and nausea.

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Serious Ritalin Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Signs of heart problems, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or feeling light-headed.

• New or worsening mental health conditions, including anxiety, aggression, or psychosis (unusual thoughts or behavior, seeing or hearing things that are not real).

• Seizures.

• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.

• Circulation problems in the fingers or toes, leading to numbness, pain, or discoloration.

Precautions

• Ritalin has a high potential for abuse and is a habit-forming medication. It should be kept in a safe place to prevent misuse and theft.

• This medication is not recommended for individuals with severe anxiety, glaucoma, a personal or family history of tics or Tourette's syndrome, or certain heart problems.

• In Accra, Ritalin is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act, similar to other controlled substances.

• The use of narcotics and psychotropic substances is restricted for medicinal and research purposes only under the supervision of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Narcotic Control Board (NACOB). A new prescription from a doctor is required for every refill.