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 SIDE EFFECTS / ADVERSE REACTIONS RELATED TO RITALIN-SR

Possible Ritalin-SR side effects / adverse reactions in 7 year old male

Reported by a individual with unspecified qualification from Canada on 2007-01-23

Patient: 7 year old male

Reactions: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, TIC

Suspect drug(s):
Ritalin-SR

Other drugs received by patient: Risperidone; Clonidine

Possible Ritalin-SR side effects / adverse reactions in 12 year old male

Reported by a physician from United Kingdom on 2007-04-10

Patient: 12 year old male

Reactions: Dysphonia, Hyporeflexia, Cerebrovascular Accident

Adverse event resulted in: hospitalization, disablity

Suspect drug(s):
Ritalin-SR

Possible Ritalin-SR side effects / adverse reactions in 50 year old male

Reported by a consumer/non-health professional from United States on 2007-05-25

Patient: 50 year old male

Reactions: Agitation, Blood Pressure Increased, Blood Growth Hormone Increased, Fatigue, Drug Interaction, Stasis Dermatitis

Suspect drug(s):
Clonidine
    Start date: 2001-01-01

Ritalin
    Dosage: 20 mg, qid, oral
    Administration route: Oral
    Indication: Narcolepsy
    Start date: 2001-01-01

Ritalin-SR
    Dosage: see image
    Administration route: Oral
    Indication: Narcolepsy
    Start date: 2001-01-01