How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient methylphenidate hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine that is related to amphetamines. It has a mild stimulant action in the brain. Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. It is thought that it works by increasing the activity of certain underactive parts of the brain. It increases stimulation in all areas of the brain, but in children with ADHD it seems to have a particular effect on the calming area of the brain. The exact way the medicine works in this condition, however, is not fully understood. Methylphenidate is not used for all children with ADHD. It is used as part of a comprehensive treatment programme for ADHD that includes psychotherapy and behavioural management techniques, and is only used in children in whom these treatments have proved to be insufficient on their own. It should only be used under the supervision of a specialist in childhood behavioural disorders, and only after the severity of the child's symptoms has been thoroughly assessed.

What is it used for?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Warning!

Drinking alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine.

If there has been no improvement in the child's symptoms after one month of treatment with this medicine it should be discontinued. Where symptoms have improved, the medicine should be discontinued periodically so that the child's condition can be assessed. However, in both cases this medicine must not be stopped suddenly without your doctor's advice, as this may unmask symptoms such as depression and overactivity in the child. The medicine should be withdrawn following the instructions given by your doctor.

The Concerta XL brand of methylphenidate is a prolonged-release formulation of methylphenidate. The tablets are designed to be taken once a day, and they gradually release the dose of methylphenidate over the day. Concerta XL tablets must be swallowed whole without chewing to work, so they are not suitable for children who have difficulty swallowing, or who have any narrowing in their gastrointestinal tract. The Concerta XL tablets don't dissolve completely after the medicine has been released, and the shell of the tablets may sometimes be visible in the child's stools. This is normal.

Children taking this medicine for long periods should have their weight and height regularly monitored. Blood pressure should also be monitored regularly, particularly in children with high blood pressure, and children should also have periodic blood tests to make sure there are no disturbances in the normal composition of their blood.

This medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If affected, children should avoid activities that could be potentially hazardous, such as operating machinary, until the effects wear off.

Use with caution in

Emotional instability

Epilepsy

High blood pressure

History of alcoholism or drug abuse

Psychotic illness

Not to be used in

Children under six years of age

Glaucoma

Hyperthyroidism

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Marked anxiety, agitation or tension

Personal or family history of involuntary muscle spasms (twitches or tics)

Personal or family history of Tourette's syndrome (characterised by involuntary repetition of speech, in particular obscene or vulgar words)

Severe angina pectoris

Thyrotoxicosis

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Abdominal pain

Blurred vision

Dry mouth

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Changes in mood

Drowsiness

Blood disorders

Fits (convulsions)

Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)

Hair loss (alopecia)

Difficulty performing voluntary movements, resulting in jerky or involuntary movements or muscle twitches (dyskinesia)

Decreased appetite

Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

Pain in the joints (arthralgia)

Nervousness

Rise in blood pressure

Rash or itching

Abnormal involuntary movements (twitching or tics)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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