Ingredient Name: METHYLPHENIDATE (meth-ill-FEN-i-date)

Drug Manufacturer: MALLINCKRODT PHARM

Common Uses: This medicine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and uncontrollable periods of daytime sleep (narcolepsy). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before Using This Medicine: WARNING: USE THIS MEDICINE WITH CAUTION IF YOU HAVE A HISTORY OF EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS, OR ALCOHOL OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE. Abuse of this medicine may cause it to not work as well. Abuse may also lead to addiction and severe mental changes. Do not suddenly stop using this medicine. Depression and other mental problems may occur. Your doctor should slowly lower your dose over a period of time if you need to stop using it. SOME MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with this medicine. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) or have taken an MAOI within the past 14 days. TELL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: clonidine, anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), certain anticonvulsants (eg, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), phenylbutazone, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), tricyclic antidepressants (eg, imipramine), or medicines for high blood pressure (eg, guanethidine, metoprolol). This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if this medicine may interact with other medicines you take. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including a history of seizures or abnormal electroencephalograms (EEGs); overactive thyroid; chronic fatigue; cystic fibrosis; stomach or bowel problems (eg, blockage, inflammation, narrowing); allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have a history of high blood pressure, heart problems (eg, heart failure, fast or irregular heartbeat), or a recent heart attack, or if a family member has a history of irregular heartbeat or sudden death. Tell your doctor if you have a history of mood or mental problems (eg, agitation, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, tension); abnormal thoughts; hallucinations; suicidal thoughts or attempts; alcohol or other substance abuse or dependence, or if a family member has a history of any of these problems. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have severe anxiety, agitation, or tension; glaucoma; serious heart problems (eg, heart defect, irregular heartbeat); or motor tics (involuntary movements), Tourette syndrome, or a family history of Tourette syndrome. Use of this medicine in children under age 6 is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a MEDICATION GUIDE approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read it carefully each time you refill this medicine. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth 30 to 45 minutes before eating unless otherwise directed by your doctor. YOU MAY EXPERIENCE trouble sleeping while taking this medicine. If this occurs, taking your last dose before 6 p.m. may help. Talk with your doctor if your sleeping problems continue. DO NOT CHANGE the way you take this medicine without talking with your doctor first. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, at 77 degrees (25 degrees C), away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.