Ritalin

Ritalin SR (timed release): white, round, printed with CIBA and 16

adults: 10-60 mg a day

adults: narcolepsy (uncontrollable sleep) depression, withdrawal states

use of antidepressants (within 2-5 weeks)

use of anticonvulsants, blood pressure pills

use of amphetamines ("uppers"), diet pills, caffeine

use of cocaine

use of antihistamines

use of alcohol

drug dependence, alcoholism

anxiety, tension, agitation

thyroid problems

heart problems, high blood pressure

glaucoma (eye disease)

tics, jerking, Tourette's syndrome

severe depression

psychotic symptoms, acute stress

normal fatigue

convulsions, epilepsy

pregnancy, nursing

often:
reactions with other drugs and alcohol

severe withdrawal symptoms

tolerance (requires more to be effective)

serious psychological dependence (habit-forming)

stunted growth (long-term use)

nervousness

sleeplessness, nightmares

loss of appetite, weight loss

stomach pain

fast heartbeat, muscle shaking (especially hands)

sometimes:
abnormal behaviour, psychotic behaviour

severe depression, fearfulness, anxiety

blood cell disease: bruising, infections

uncontrolled muscle movements

chest or joint pain

fever

skin rash

dizziness

drowsiness, tiredness, weakness

headache

nausea

rarely:
blurred eyesight

convulsions

mood or mental change

• Ritalin should be used only when there is no other choice.

• If it is not effective after one month, it should be stopped.

• Ritalin should not be used for children whose symptoms are due to their environment or who have psychiatric disorders. This drug should be used only along with psychological, educational and social help. The child should have all the behaviourial symptoms, not just some. Drug treatment is not necessary in all attention deficit hyperactivity disorders.

• Long-term use can cause stunting of growth in children. It may also cause muscle, intellectual, and emotional problems.

• With long-term use, blood cell and blood pressure tests are required.

• You should not drive, operate machines, play sports, or do dangerous things until you know what this drug does to you.

• Tell your nurse, doctor, pharmacist or dentist about any other drugs you are taking before any new treatment. Check with them before you take any medicine, even if it isn't a prescription drug.

• Stop taking this drug and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the problems or conditions listed or anything unusual is happening, especially allergic reactions, headache, vomiting, muscle twitching, sweating, fever, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or coma (overdose symptoms).

• Strictly avoid these foods: cheese (exceptions--cottage cheese, cream cheese), sour cream, pickled herring, liver, tenderized meats, Bovril, yeast extracts, soy sauce, broad beans (fava beans), canned figs, raisins, bananas (peel), avocados (especially if overripe), chocolate, caviar, and all alcohol, even non-alcoholic beer.

• Use of coffee, tea, and cola drinks should be kept to a minimum. When eating in a restaurant, avoid sauces, soups, and gravies. Food additives may cause a sharp rise in blood pressure, which you will feel as an intense headache.

• This drug may be passed in mother's milk and affect unborn children. It should not be given to pregnant or nursing women.

• Withdrawal symptoms can be severe with psychiatric drugs. If you stop using them, do it slowly.

[Table of Contents]