Ritalin-SR (Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Sustained Release) - Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Nervousness and insomnia are the most common adverse reactions but are usually controlled by reducing dosage and omitting the drug in the afternoon or evening. Other reactions include hypersensitivity (including skin rash, urticaria, fever, arthralgia, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme with histopathological findings of necrotizing vasculitis, and thrombocytopenic purpura); anorexia; nausea; dizziness; palpitations; headache; dyskinesia; drowsiness; blood pressure and pulse changes, both up and down; tachycardia; angina; cardiac arrhythmia; abdominal pain; weight loss during prolonged therapy. There have been rare reports of Tourette's syndrome. Toxic psychosis has been reported. Although a definite causal relationship has not been established, the following have been reported in patients taking this drug: instances of abnormal liver function, ranging from transaminase elevation to hepatic coma; isolated cases of cerebral arteritis and/or occlusion; leukopenia and/or anemia; transient depressed mood; a few instances of scalp hair loss. Very rare reports of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) have been received, and, in most of these, patients were concurrently receiving therapies associated with NMS. In a single report, a ten year old boy who had been taking methylphenidate for approximately 18 months experienced an NMS-like event within 45 minutes of ingesting his first dose of venlafaxine. It is uncertain whether this case represented a drug-drug interaction, a response to either drug alone, or some other cause.

In children, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss during prolonged therapy, insomnia, and tachycardia may occur more frequently; however, any of the other adverse reactions listed above may also occur.

REPORTS OF SUSPECTED RITALIN-SR SIDE EFFECTS / ADVERSE REACTIONS

Possible Ritalin-SR side effects / adverse reactions in 8 year old male

Reported by a health professional (non-physician/pharmacist) from Canada on 2011-11-17

Patient: 8 year old male

Reactions: Drug Ineffective, Abnormal Behaviour, Impulsive Behaviour, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Aggression, Irritability, Affect Lability, Learning Disability, Disturbance in Attention, Attention Deficit/hyperactivity Disorder, Crying

Suspect drug(s):
Ritalin
    Dosage: 10 mg, bid, in morning and at noon

Ritalin
    Dosage: 20 mg, bid, in morning and at noon

Ritalin
    Dosage: 36 mg
    Indication: Attention Deficit/hyperactivity Disorder

Ritalin
    Dosage: 5 mg, bid- in morning and at noon
    Indication: Attention Deficit/hyperactivity Disorder

Ritalin-SR
    Dosage: 10 mg, bid, in morning and in afternoon
    Indication: Attention Deficit/hyperactivity Disorder

Ritalin-SR
    Dosage: 20 mg, bid, in morning and in afternoon

Other drugs received by patient: Atomoxetine HCL; Atomoxetine HCL; Atomoxetine HCL; Atomoxetine HCL

Possible Ritalin-SR side effects / adverse reactions in 24 year old male

Reported by a individual with unspecified qualification from Norway on 2011-11-28

Patient: 24 year old male

Reactions: Blood Creatine Phosphokinase Increased

Suspect drug(s):
Ritalin-SR

Other drugs received by patient: Zyrtec

Possible Ritalin-SR side effects / adverse reactions in 5 year old female

Reported by a consumer/non-health professional from United States on 2011-12-02

Patient: 5 year old female weighing 20.9 kg (45.9 pounds)

Reactions: Somnambulism

Suspect drug(s):
Ritalin-SR