Methylin comes in either a liquid form or pill form. Since it is used primarily to treat ADHD, many people taking the drug are children. The side effects for children vary somewhat from the side effects in adults, though many symptoms are the same.
Mild side effects that can occur in adults and children include: nervousness, trouble sleeping, headache, stomach ache, rapid heart beat, nausea, decreased appetite, dizziness and weight loss. According to the manufacturer, some of these side effects will go away as your body gets used to the medicine. If the side effects are mild enough or not deemed too bothersome by the person taking the medication, he or she can continue to take the medication safely. Only the person taking the medication can decide when the negative side effects outweigh the positive benefits of the medicine. The doctor may lower the dosage to lessen the side effects or try a different medication all together.
Serious side effects for children include: slowed growth (both height and weight), seizures (particularly in patients with a history of seizures) and blurred or changed vision. Both teens and children may experience new psychotic symptoms, such as hearing voices. They may also experience new manic symptoms. If you suspect your child is experiencing any of these effects speak to your doctor about your concerns and possible alternative medications or treatments.
Methylin also increases the risks of certain cardiovascular problems, including: sudden death in patients who have heart defects or conditions; stroke and heart attack (in adults) and increased blood pressure and heart rate. The chance of these problems are higher in people with a family history of heart defects/conditions and high blood pressure.
Mental problems that may occur with Methylin are new or worse: behavior, thought problems, bipolar illness and aggressive behavior.
Certain people are not good candidates for Methylin use. People with a personal or familial history of heart conditions, seizures, tics or Tourette’s syndrome may experience more severe side effects. Tell your doctor if you or your family have a history of these types of conditions.
Methylin use is contraindicated for people who meet any of these criteria: suffer from anxiety, tenseness or agitation; have glaucoma; have Tourette’s syndrome or a family member with Tourette’s syndrome; have tics (difficult or uncontrollable repetitive sounds or movements); take or have recently taken MAOI (monoanime oxidase inhibitor) medications; are under six years old or have an allergy to any ingredient in Methylin.
Though the list of side effects may sound scary and dangerous, remember that most people only experience milder side effects. You can decrease your risk of the more severe side effects by discussing your family’s history of health problems and your concerns about how you may react to Methylin with your doctor. Don’t hesitate to consult your doctor for any side effects that you experience which cause you concern.
Also remember to tell your doctor all of the medicines you currently take, including over the counter products (cold, allergy, pain relievers, etc.). Some products may reduce the effectiveness of or interact negatively with Methylin.
Sources:
Methylin, http://www.drugs.com/pro/methylin.html
Methylin Chewable Tablet, http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=9593
