ADHD Home > Methylin Warnings and Precautions
Precautions and warnings to be aware of prior to taking Methylin include the following:
- Methylin chewable tablets must be taken with a full glass of water (at least eight ounces) after chewing the tablets in order to prevent choking. Methylin ER tablets must be swallowed whole; do not chew, crush, or break them.
- Methylin chewable tablets (but not the other forms) contain phenylalanine. This is important for people with phenylketonuria, who must limit their intake of this substance.
- Stimulants (including Methylin) are often abused. Taking these drugs for a long time can lead to drug dependence (see Methylin Abuse). Because Methylin is commonly abused, there are special rules for prescribing it (see Methylin: A Controlled Substance).
- In people with psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder), Methylin can make certain psychotic symptoms worse, such as thought disorders and behavior problems.
- Stimulants used to treat ADHD have been associated with problems in blood vessels in the fingers and toes, sometimes causing problems such as Raynaud's disease. Alert your healthcare provider to any signs of this problem, such as cold or numb toes or fingers.
- Sudden death has been reported in children and adults with heart problems who were taking normal doses of Methylin. If you or your child has heart problems, ask your healthcare provider if Methylin is appropriate in your situation. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you or your child develops any chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
- There have been reports of priapism in people taking ADHD medications, including this one. This side effect is an abnormally long-lasting, painful erection and can cause serious, permanent damage to the penis. It can occur in males of any age. Young boys might not recognize this side effect, and males of any age might be hesitant to seek parental or medical attention, due to embarrassment. Prompt treatment is necessary to avoid damage.
Be especially on the lookout for this side effect whenever the dosage is increased or during a drug "holiday" or any other time when the drug is stopped.
- Methylin can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. In most cases, the increase is small and does not cause problems. However, there is an increased risk for people who already have high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, certain irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or have recently had a heart attack.
- The medication can cause a temporary slowing down of growth and decreased weight gain in children. This is usually small, and children typically catch up to normal growth rates with time. Your child's growth should be monitored while he or she is taking Methylin.
- Methylin may affect your ability to perform tasks that require complete concentration, such as driving, operating machinery, or piloting an airplane, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. It is recommended that you discuss this with your healthcare provider.
- The medication should not be used to treat severe depression, nor should it be used to prevent or treat fatigue.
- Methylin can interact with certain medications (see Methylin Interactions).
- Methylin is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that it may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Discuss this with your healthcare provider before using the medication while pregnant (see Methylin and Pregnancy for more information).
- It is not known if Methylin passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider.