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Information on ADHD Medications »
ADHD medications are drugs used to treat some of the characteristic behaviors associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, including inattention, hyperactivity, and poor impulse control.
Drugs used to treat ADHD target chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. One type of ADHD medication works by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Another type of ADHD drug increases the level of another neurotransmitter, norepinephrine.
ADHD drug treatment should begin only after a specific diagnosis of ADHD has been made. A clinical diagnosis requires that symptoms have persisted for at least six months. There is no blood test or radiological scan that can diagnose ADHD.
Most children with ADHD are diagnosed in preschool or early in elementary school. It's estimated that up to 7%-8% of school-age children in the United States have ADHD. In addition, it may be present ...
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant. In affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.
Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Methylphenidate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using methylphenidate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Do not use methylphenidate if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to methylphenidate or if you have glaucoma, tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette's syndrome, or severe anxiety, tension, or agitation (methylphenidate can make these symptoms worse).
Methylphenidate may be habit-forming. Keep track of how many patches have been used from each new package you receive. Methylphenidate is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
Children using this medication should be warned never to remove the skin patch and place it onto another person. Serious side effects may result.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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