General Description

Ritalin Ireland (methylphenidate) represents a central nervous system stimulant. It basically affects chemicals contained inside the brain and nerves contributing to hyperactivity as well as impulse control. Generally, Ritalin Ireland is used for treatment of attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methylphenidate may be forming a habit. Hence, avoid sharing this medicine with any other person, mostly someone, who has a history of drug abuse and/or addiction. Improper use of Ritalin Ireland can cause death and other serious side effects to the heart.

Methylphenidate treats Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by affecting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine while increasing their concentration inside the neural synapse (i.e. space between two nerves).

Basically, methylphenidate consists of 2 enantiomers (i.e. optical isomers): l-threo and d-threo. The d-threo enantiomer is more active from pharmacological point of view in comparison with the l-threo enantiomer (available under commercial name “dexmethylphenidate”). Methylphenidate belongs to the medicines group called Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants.

Precautions

Avoid using Ritalin if you have already used an MAO inhibitor during the past 14 days because it may cause a dangerous drug interaction. MAO inhibitors include the following: linezolid, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, methylene blue injection, selegiline, tranylcypromine, rasagiline and others.

You are prohibited to use Ritalin, if you are allergic to it, or if you have one of the following:

• family or personal history of tics (i.e. muscle twitches) and/or Tourette’s syndrome;
• glaucoma;
• severe tension, anxiety or agitation (stimulant medication can worsen these symptoms).

Certain stimulants have historically caused sudden death in several people. Hereby, inform your doctor if you have one of the following:

• high blood pressure;
• congenital heart defect and/or heart-related problems;
• a family history of heart-related diseases and/or sudden death cases.

In order to ensure Ritalin is fully safe for you, inform your doctor if you or anybody in your family has ever experienced:

• motor tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette’s syndrome;
• depression, bipolar disorder, mental illness, suicidal thoughts and/or actions, as well as psychosis;
• issues with blood circulation in hands or feet;
• epilepsy or seizures;
• problems related to the stomach, esophagus or intestines;
• abnormal brain wave test (EEG);
• a history of alcohol or drug addiction.
• Methylphenidate is able to impair patient’s judgment and/or reaction skills as well as make operating or driving machinery very difficult and dangerous. Hereby, do not operate or drive machinery in case if methylphenidate affects you in such way.

In case of overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Methylphenidate overdose could be fatal.

Side Effects

Methylphenidate (the active ingredient, which is contained in Ritalin Ireland) may result in some unwanted side effects, which require immediate medical attention.

Major Side Effects of Ritalin Ireland include the following:

• Most Common:
  • Fast heartbeat
• Less common:
  • fever;
  • chest pain;
  • skin rash or hives;
  • joint pain.
• Rare:
  • tarry, black stools;
  • blood in the stools or urine;
  • blurry vision and/or other noticeable changes in vision;
  • convulsions;
  • dryness, crusting or flaking of skin;
  • noticeable red spots on skin;
  • muscle cramps;
  • uncontrolled vocal outbursts and/or tics (i.e. repeated and uncontrolled body movements);
  • severe redness, scaling, swelling or soreness of skin;
  • unusual bruising or bleeding.

Dosage

Usual dosage for Attention Deficit Disorder for adults includes the following: immediate release tablets (including chewable tablets), i.e. Ritalin, methylphenidate, methylin.

The initial dose is 10 mg taken 2 – 3 times per day orally, most preferably 30 – 45 minutes prior to breakfast and lunch, and the third dose is to be taken during 2 – 4 PM, if required. For patients experiencing troubles with sleeping at night while undergoing methylphenidate treatment, the last medicine dose is to be taken before 6 PM.

Maintenance dose: doses may increase every week by 5 – 10 mg with maximum intake of 60 mg per day. For certain patients 10 – 15 mg per day may be sufficient. For patients experiencing troubles with sleeping at night during methylphenidate treatment, the last dose is to be taken before 6 PM.

Effectiveness and Response Time

• The required time to reach peak concentrations of methylphenidate followed by immediate release of formulations – approximately 1.9 hours.
• Extended-release capsules or tablets have got a two-phase release system. The initial peak concentrations are reached during the first hour after administration while the next peak is approximately reached in three hours.
• Relief from the ADHD symptoms may be observed during 1 – 2 hours after intake; however, it may also take up to 2weeks in order to achieve the full effects of methylphenidate.