Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin or Concerta, is a central nervous system stimulant similar to amphetamine. It is used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy. It is considered very effective, and generally, methylphenidate side effects are mild and rare. However, there is a wide range of side effects that may occur.
Methylphenidate is administered via oral capsule, tablet, powder, chewable, or transdermal patch.
The Side Effects of Methylphenidate
The most common side effects of methylphenidate are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Tics
- Anxiety and irritability
- Excessive sweating
The following methylphenidate side effects may require medical attention:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Skin rash or hives
- Black, tarry stools
- Blood in urine or stools
- Blurred vision
- Convulsions
- Muscle cramps
- Crusty, dry skin
- Red spots on the skin
- Swollen, red, or sore skin
- Vocal outbursts
- Repetitive movements
- Bleeding or bruising
- Confusion
- Depression
- Hand numbness
- Painful urination
- Skin paleness
- Eye irritation
- Hallucination
- Severe headache
- Shortness of breath
- Ulcers on lips/mouth
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Cold or tingling fingers/toes
- Fatigue/weakness
- Weight loss
- Yellow skin/eyes
Methylphenidate Side Effects by Type
The Nervous System
Frequently occurring nervous system effects include tics. It may contribute to worsening symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome, but this is not conclusive. Migraine headaches and convulsions have also occurred.
Gastrointestinal
The most common effects include nausea and vomiting, and stomach pain.
Cardiovascular
Side effects are rare but may include increased blood pressure or pulse, increased heart rate, irregular heart beat and/or palpitations, chest pain, inflammation or blockage/closings of blood vessels, and Raynaud’s disease (numbness and coldness in fingers and toes).
Psychological
Mental/emotional side effects that frequently occur include emotional reactivity, hallucinations, manic episodes, obsessive behaviors, insomnia, and nervousness. Rarely, depressed mood and aggression have occurred.
Dermatologic (Skin)
Skin side effects include blisters, hives, rashes, swelling, itching, and hair loss.
Ocular (Eyes)
Visual side effects have included disturbances, blurring, pupil dilation, and double vision.
Metabolic
Side effects have included anorexia, decreased appetite, and weight loss.
Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal side effects may include twitching, joint pain, and muscular pain.
Getting Treatment for Addiction
Just Believe Recovery is an accredited rehab center that offers comprehensive, customized programs In both residential and partial hospitalization formats. We also offer medically-assisted detox services, in which a person is supervised around-the-clock for several days during the worst period of withdrawal. At this time, those we treat are given medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms, as well as psychological support in the form of therapy and counseling.
Services we provide include but are not limited to, the following:
- Psychotherapy
- Individual and family counseling
- 12-step programs
- Group support
- Addiction education
- Health and wellness education
- Life skills training
- Relapse prevention techniques
- Art and music therapy
- Yoga/mindfulness meditation
- Aftercare planning
- Alumni activities
We aim to provide all individuals who are participating in our programs with the tools, education, and support they so desperately need to achieve a full recovery and foster long-term happiness and well-being. Our highly-trained medical and professional staff are committed to caring for each person on an individual basis and address his or her unique needs and goals.
If you are motivated to reclaim the life you deserve once and for all, we urge you to contact us today to discuss treatment options. Discover how we help those who need it most overcome addiction and break the chains of substance abuse for life!
