Side effects of methylphenidate for adults

These common side effects of methylphenidate may happen in more than 1 in 100 people. Side effects will depend on the type and brand of methylphenidate you're taking.

There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Painkillers such as paracetamol can help. Talk to your doctor if the headaches are severe or do not go away.

If you're finding it hard to sleep, try taking the last dose of methylphenidate more than 6 hours before bedtime.

It may help to take methylphenidate with a meal.

You may notice some weight loss during the first few months of treatment. You'll probably put this weight back on once you're used to the medicine.

If you notice that you are losing a lot of weight, speak to your doctor.

Try to rest and relax. It can help to eat and drink slowly and have smaller and more frequent meals. Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help.

If you're in a lot of pain, or the pain does not go away, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

This usually gets better quite quickly. Taking sips of water and eating citrus fruits (like oranges or satsumas) can help.

Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food if you feel sick. It might help to take methylphenidate with or after a meal or snack.

If you are being sick try taking small, frequent sips of water or squash to avoid dehydration. See your doctor if you are being sick or having severe stomach pains.

If you take the combined contraceptive pill or progestogen-only pill and you're being sick, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

Keep taking your medicine but tell your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away.

Your doctor should review your medicine at least once a year to make sure there are no problems.