Dexmethylphenidate Side Effects and Warnings

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.

• If you have been taking this medicine for several weeks, talk with healthcare provider before stopping. You may want to gradually withdraw this medicine.

• You may have certain heart tests before starting this medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have mental illness, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have seizures, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• If you are taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or supplements.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Avoid caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• High blood pressure.

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• Nervous and excitable.

• Belly pain.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Headache.

• Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Emotional ups and downs.

• Weight loss.

• Not hungry.

• Inability to sleep.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe behavioral problems.

• Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.

• Chest pain or pressure, fast heartbeat, or passing out.

• Very nervous and excitable.

• Severe headache.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Sudden change in vision.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.