Methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta)

Question 1

Class

Answer 1

Psychostimulants

also includes Dexamphetamine

Question 2

Indications

Answer 2

ADHD

Narcolepsy

Question 3

Dose Range

Answer 3

Child:
start at 5 – 40mg d

Adult, initially 10-60mg d

For conventional tablets, daily doses >10 mg should be given in 2-3 divided doses

Give CR preparations once daily using total daily dosing of conventional tablets as a guide

Question 4

Counselling/SE

Answer 4

• Avoid taking doses after early afternoon if you have trouble sleeping at night.
• This medicine may also affect mental alertness; do not drive or operate machinery if you are affected

SE:

• dry mouth insomnia
• loss of appetite (anorexia)
• weight loss
• tachycardia, pulpitations, increase BP
• growth retardation
• anxiety

Question 5

Monitoring

Answer 5

compliance, tolerability and worsening of condition