What Are the Effects of Methylphenidate Treatment?

Common effects of methylphenidate treatment are improvements in concentration and attention span for patients diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD). This medication can also be helpful in controlling the episodes of involuntary sleep that accompany narcolepsy. Other uses of methylphenidate include treatment for some cases of depression and overall lethargy that are not definitively part of another diagnosed condition. Many doctors classify these instances of methylphenidate treatment as off-label, meaning that they are normally used on a limited basis when other medications have not yielded the desired improvements. Methylphenidate can have several potentially risky side effects, so doctors often advise individuals considering methylphenidate treatment to first educate themselves about these aspects of the drug.

Methylphenidate acts as a stimulant, yet it commonly has an opposite, calming effect on the hyperactivity and disorganized thought processes that frequently accompany ADD. Many people with this condition notice these positive improvements provided they correctly follow their doctors' instructions for methylphenidate treatment. This medication primarily activates and regulates the parts of the central nervous system that are responsible for attention span and mental wakefulness.

Narcolepsy also is treated with methylphenidate prescriptions. The drug can frequently be effective at decreasing the persistent fatigue and sometimes lower the number of uncontrolled sleep episodes that are common narcoleptic complaints. Many people diagnosed with narcolepsy report that methylphenidate treatment has helped increase their work productivity or school performance due to a relief of the constant mental tiredness.

Frequent side effects of methylphenidate include changes in appetite, nausea, and increases in blood pressure. Doctors usually report that these effects are generally temporary and should diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. ADD and narcolepsy patients who are prescribed methylphenidate are usually advised to eliminate or at least restrict their caffeine intake because this substance can often worsen existing side effects. Some people experience more serious side effects such as headaches, noticeable vertigo, and digestive upsets, so many physicians recommend that these effects be reported to a doctor if they do not stop within a relatively short time frame.

Due to the potency of this stimulant drug, most doctors require a physical exam and review of each patient's medical history before prescribing methylphenidate. Individuals with past health issues, such as heart attacks, strokes, or seizures, are usually not good candidates for methylphenidate treatment. Family histories of alcohol or substance abuse can often increase the likelihood of dependence on and misuse of this medication.