Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.  

This is methylphenidate. 

This medicine is called a 'stimulant,' but it calms people with ADHD so they can focus, work and learn. It can also treat a sleep disorder called 'narcolepsy'. 

Methylphenidate should be taken exactly how and when the doctor prescribes it. It is usually taken 2 or 3 times a day. Also, you should take it 30 to 45 minutes before a meal.

At first, mild side effects could occur, like a stomach ache, nausea, or a decrease in appetite. Others include headaches, nervousness, or trouble sleeping. You can ask how to help manage these. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop treatment, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.  

Your doctor may measure blood pressure and heart rate during therapy. Children should have their height and weight checked, too, to make sure their growth does not slow down.

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects could occur. With methylphenidate, this includes mental changes. You should watch for worsening moods, behaviors or thoughts. Also, watch for other changes like seeing, hearing or believing things that are not real. If any of these occur, call your doctor right away. You should read the Medication Guide for full information about these and other rare effects, like changes to eyesight, heart problems and painful erections.

Remember to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines, even if they do not require a prescription.

Methylphenidate could be abused or misused by others, so you must store it securely. 

For best results with this medicine, work with your doctor to find the lowest dose that works best.