Ritalin SR and Depression (Cont.)

Ritalin SR and Depression Treatment

Ritalin SR is sometimes used to treat depression. Although not approved for this use, the drug can help to rapidly improve symptoms of depression. When used in this fashion, it is considered an "off-label" use for Ritalin SR. Off-label is when a prescription medicine is used to treat a disease or condition for which the drug has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
 
Although the FDA regulates how a medication can be advertised or promoted by the manufacturer, these regulations do not restrict a doctor's ability to prescribe the medication in an off-label fashion: for different conditions, in different doses, or for different lengths of time. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine for off-label use if he or she feels that the medicine is appropriate for your situation.
 
While off-label uses for the treatment of many medical conditions are common, you should feel comfortable asking your doctor if he or she is using a medication or combination of medications in a manner that is not approved by the FDA.
 

Ritalin SR and Depression: A Summary

Even though Ritalin SR is sometimes used to treat depression, depression has been reported as a possible side effect of the medication. Therefore, for people taking Ritalin SR (or their family members), it is important to know the signs and symptoms of depression. If you notice any of these symptoms in either you or your child, or if something "just does not seem right," you should talk to your healthcare provider right away. He or she will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend treatment options.
 
(Click Depression Treatment for more information on the treatment of depression.)
 

Pages:

Previous 1 2

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;