Methylin Side Effects

Front and back of a 5 mg Methylin chewable tablet.

Severe Side Effects of Methylin

Methylin has caused lethal strokes and heart attacks for some patients.
Some patients have reported increased aggression while taking Methylin.
Methylin may cause stunted growth in children and adolescent patients.
Delusional thinking and manic behavior have been reported in some patients taking Methylin.
Methylin may trigger seizures in some patients.

Common Side Effects of Methylin

Common side effects include blurry vision, dizzy spells, upset stomach, loose stools, trouble sleeping or insomnia, and nervousness.

Warnings & Recalls for Methylin

Black Box Warning for Methylin

Methylin may be extremely addictive, especially in patients with a prior history of alcohol or drug abuse. Continuous use over a long period of time may result in drug dependence. The patient may experience withdrawal symptoms while discontinuing Methylin.

Other Warnings

Before taking Methylin, the patient should be tested for presence of heart disease or heart problems.
Let your doctor know if you are bipolar, as Methylin may interact with certain bipolar medications.
Immediately discontinue Methylin if it has caused seizures.
Methylin should not be prescribed to children under 6 years old.
Patient should observe extreme caution if he or she has high blood pressure and is taking Methylin. Serious complications such as heart failure may occur.
The patient should get regular blood tests while taking Methylin.
Methylin may reduce the effectiveness of pressor drugs and blood pressure medications.
Methylin is a class C pregnancy category drug and may be dangerous to take during pregnancy.

Recall for Methylin

On March 15th, 2012, Mallinckrodt Inc. issued a recall for Methylin Chewable tablets (2.5, 5, and 10 mg). The recalled medicines did not pass stability tests and may go bad before the expiration date. Please click here for further information, including recalled lot numbers.

Methylin Treatment and Use

Methylin | Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant that is prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is also sometimes prescribed for narcolepsy. The generic form methylphenidate and other brand names with the same active ingredient are widely prescribed. Methylin is marketed by Mallinckrodt, the pharmaceuticals division of Covidien.

What does Methylin do?

Methylin helps some ADHD patients focus and control or regulate compulsive behavior. It achieves this by stimulating the central nervous system.

Dosage

The initial dosage for Methylin is 5 or 10 mg twice a day. Dosage may be gradually increased on a weekly basis. Dosage should not exceed 60 mg daily. Methylin may increase insomnia in some patients if taken after 6 pm. Methylin is available as both extended release tablets and chewable tablets in 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg doses.

Other Names for Methylin

Brand Names

Methylin

Concerta

Ritalin

Metadate ER

Generic Name

Methylphenidate