Dexmethylphenidate 25mg ER Capsules
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication as directed, with or without food. However, note that taking it with food may delay its onset of action. To minimize sleep disturbances, take your medication early in the day. Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew or crush it. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet whole, you may mix the contents with applesauce, but be sure to swallow the mixture immediately without chewing.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Avoid storing it in a bathroom. Keep your medication in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets, and inaccessible to others. Consider using a locked box or area to store your medication. Keep all medications away from pets.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take exactly as prescribed, usually once daily in the morning.
- Swallow the capsule whole; do not chew, crush, or divide. If unable to swallow, the capsule may be opened and the entire contents sprinkled onto a small amount of applesauce and consumed immediately.
- Avoid alcohol, as it may cause the medication to be released too quickly.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- Regularly monitor blood pressure and heart rate as advised by your doctor.
- For children, monitor height and weight regularly.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you, as it may cause dizziness or blurred vision.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Dexmethylphenidate 10mg Tablets
- Dexmethylphenidate 2.5mg Tablets
- Dexmethylphenidate 5mg Tablets
- Dexmethylphenidate 25mg ER Capsules
- Dexmethylphenidate ER 5mg Capsules
- Dexmethylphenidate ER 20mg Capsules
- Dexmethylphenidate ER 10mg Capsules
- Dexmethylphenidate 15mg ER Capsules
- Dexmethylphenidate 30mg ER Capsules
- Dexmethylphenidate 35mg ER Capsules
- Dexmethylphenidate 40mg ER Capsules
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash or hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of liver problems, including:
+ Dark urine
+ Fatigue
+ Decreased appetite
+ Upset stomach or stomach pain
+ Light-colored stools
+ Vomiting
+ Yellow skin or eyes
Rapid heartbeat
Joint pain
Purple patches on the skin or mouth
Changes in vision or eye pain, swelling, or redness
Seizures
Shakiness
Difficulty controlling body movements
Trouble controlling sounds, such as humming, throat clearing, yelling, or making loud noises
Excessive sweating
Restlessness
Changes in skin color, including pale, blue, gray, purple, or red discoloration of hands, feet, or other areas
Numbness, pain, tingling, or cold sensation in hands or feet
Sores or wounds on fingers or toes
Difficulty urinating or changes in urine output
Muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, or difficulty passing urine
Changes in sex drive
Erectile Dysfunction Warning
If you experience a painful erection (priapism) or an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, seek medical attention immediately. This can occur even when you are not engaging in sexual activity. If left untreated, it may lead to permanent sexual dysfunction.
Cardiovascular Warning
Sudden deaths have occurred in people with pre-existing heart problems or heart defects. Inform your doctor if you have any heart condition or defect. If a family member has a history of abnormal heartbeat or sudden death, notify your doctor. Seek emergency medical help if you experience:
Chest pain
Abnormal heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Severe dizziness or fainting
Mental Health Warning
New or worsening behavioral and mood changes, such as changes in thinking, anger, and hallucinations, have been reported with this medication. Inform your doctor if you or a family member have a history of mental or mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar illness, or if a family member has committed suicide. Seek medical help immediately if you experience:
Hallucinations
Changes in behavior
Signs of mood changes, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional instability, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or loss of interest in life
Serotonin Syndrome Warning
A potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome may occur if you take this medication with certain other drugs. Seek medical help immediately if you experience:
Agitation
Changes in balance
Confusion
Hallucinations
Fever
Rapid or abnormal heartbeat
Flushing
Muscle twitching or stiffness
Seizures
Shivering or shaking
Excessive sweating
Severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
Severe headache
Other Possible Side Effects
While many people may not experience side effects or may only have mild side effects, it is essential to monitor your body's response to this medication. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
Dizziness or headache
Drowsiness
Feeling nervous or excitable
Stomach pain or heartburn
Weight loss
Decreased appetite
Difficulty sleeping
Dry mouth
Upset stomach or vomiting
Throat pain
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting (seek immediate medical attention)
- Numbness, coolness, or pain in fingers or toes, or unexplained wounds on fingers/toes (Raynaud's phenomenon)
- New or worsening aggressive behavior, hostility, or agitation
- Seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations)
- Believing things that are not true (delusions)
- New or worsening manic symptoms (e.g., extreme energy, racing thoughts)
- Unexplained fever, muscle stiffness, or severe confusion (signs of serotonin syndrome, especially if taking other serotonergic drugs)
- Blurred vision or other vision changes
- Prolonged or painful erections (priapism)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
A history of certain health conditions, including:
+ Blood vessel disease
+ High blood pressure
+ Heart structure problems or other heart-related issues
+ Tourette's syndrome or tics (you or a family member)
Presence of other health conditions, such as:
+ Glaucoma
+ Agitation
+ Anxiety
+ Overactive thyroid
If you have ever experienced a stroke
Recent use (within the last 14 days) of certain medications for depression or Parkinson's disease, including:
+ Isocarboxazid
+ Phenelzine
+ Tranylcypromine
+ Selegiline
+ Rasagiline (note: this may increase the risk of very high blood pressure)
Current use of certain medications, such as:
+ Linezolid
+ Methylene blue
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications, including:
Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Natural products
* Vitamins
Your doctor and pharmacist will help determine whether it is safe to take this medication with your existing medications and health conditions. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor first.
Precautions & Cautions
Inform all of your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. This will help ensure that you receive the best possible care.
Precautions to Take When Starting This Medication
Until you know how this medication affects you, avoid driving and other activities that require you to be alert. This will help prevent accidents and ensure your safety.
Long-Term Use and Tolerance
If you have been taking this medication for a long time or at high doses, you may develop tolerance, which means that the medication may not work as well as it did initially. In this case, you may need to take higher doses to achieve the same effect. If you notice that the medication is not working as well as it used to, contact your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed dose, as this can lead to serious side effects.
Heart Tests and Monitoring
Before starting this medication, you may need to undergo some heart tests to ensure that it is safe for you to take. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor. Additionally, you will need to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate as directed by your doctor.
Seizure Risk
This medication may increase the risk of seizures in some individuals, particularly those who have a history of seizures. Talk to your doctor to determine if you are at a higher risk of seizures while taking this medication.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
This medication may cause high blood pressure, which can lead to serious health problems. Monitor your blood pressure regularly and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms of high blood pressure, such as severe headache, dizziness, fainting, or changes in vision.
Interactions with Other Substances
To minimize potential side effects, limit your consumption of caffeine (found in tea, coffee, cola, and chocolate) while taking this medication, as it may cause nervousness, shakiness, and a rapid heartbeat. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication, as it can increase the risk of side effects. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter (OTC) products that may increase blood pressure, such as cough or cold medications, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and certain natural products or aids.
Mental Health and Mood Changes
This medication may cause changes in behavior and mood, including hallucinations, anger, and changes in thinking. If you or a family member have a history of mental health problems, such as depression or bipolar disorder, or if a family member has committed suicide, inform your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms of mood changes, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional instability, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or loss of interest in life.
Growth and Development in Children and Teens
This medication may affect growth in children and teens. If you are a parent or guardian, talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of this medication. Regular growth checks may be necessary to monitor the effects of this medication.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. You will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Agitation
- Tremor
- Hyperreflexia
- Muscle twitching
- Convulsions (may be followed by coma)
- Euphoria
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Sweating
- Flushing
- Headache
- Hyperpyrexia (very high fever)
- Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
- Palpitations
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Mydriasis (dilated pupils)
- Dry mucous membranes
What to Do:
Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. For poison control, call 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (concurrent use or within 14 days of MAOI discontinuation)
Major Interactions
- Vasopressors (e.g., phenylephrine, epinephrine, norepinephrine) - risk of hypertensive crisis
- Halogenated Anesthetics (e.g., halothane, isoflurane) - risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increases during surgery
- Antihypertensive drugs (may reduce effectiveness of antihypertensives)
- Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, triptans, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, St. John's Wort) - risk of serotonin syndrome
Moderate Interactions
- Coumarin anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) - may inhibit metabolism, increasing anticoagulant effect
- Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone) - may inhibit metabolism, increasing anticonvulsant levels
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) (e.g., imipramine, desipramine) - may inhibit metabolism, increasing TCA levels
- Dopaminergic drugs (e.g., antipsychotics, dopamine agonists) - may antagonize effects
Minor Interactions
- Alcohol (may alter release rate of drug from ER formulation)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: CNS stimulants can cause increases in BP and HR.
Timing: Prior to initiation of treatment.
Rationale: CNS stimulants have been associated with growth suppression in pediatric patients.
Timing: Prior to initiation of treatment (pediatric patients).
Rationale: To identify pre-existing cardiac conditions that may contraindicate use or require further evaluation.
Timing: Prior to initiation of treatment.
Rationale: To identify pre-existing psychiatric conditions (e.g., bipolar disorder, psychosis) that may be exacerbated.
Timing: Prior to initiation of treatment.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: At each dose adjustment and at least every 3-6 months thereafter.
Target: Within normal limits for age.
Action Threshold: Persistent elevation outside normal range; consider dose reduction or discontinuation.
Frequency: Every 3-6 months (pediatric patients).
Target: Normal growth trajectory.
Action Threshold: Significant growth deceleration; consider drug holiday or alternative treatment.
Frequency: Regularly, at each follow-up visit.
Target: Improved attention, reduced hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Action Threshold: Lack of efficacy or worsening symptoms; consider dose adjustment or alternative.
Frequency: Regularly, at each follow-up visit.
Target: Absence of new or worsening symptoms.
Action Threshold: New or worsening symptoms; consider dose reduction, discontinuation, or psychiatric consultation.
Frequency: Periodically, if symptoms reported.
Target: Normal circulation.
Action Threshold: New onset or worsening of peripheral vasculopathy; consider discontinuation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Syncope
- Palpitations
- New or worsening aggression
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Mania
- Severe anxiety
- Numbness, coolness, or pain in fingers/toes
- Unexplained wounds on fingers/toes
- Blurred vision
- Persistent headache
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy should be considered only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Data from a pregnancy registry suggest no increased risk of major congenital malformations with methylphenidate exposure during the first trimester.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Dexmethylphenidate and/or its metabolites are excreted into human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants (e.g., agitation, insomnia, anorexia, reduced weight gain), a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy established in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age. Long-term effects on growth (weight and height) should be monitored. Psychiatric adverse events (e.g., psychosis, mania) can occur.
Geriatric Use
Safety and efficacy have not been established in geriatric patients (over 65 years of age). Use with caution due to potential for increased sensitivity to adverse effects, particularly cardiovascular effects.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Dexmethylphenidate is the more potent d-isomer of methylphenidate, typically requiring half the dose of racemic methylphenidate.
- ER formulation provides a biphasic release, mimicking twice-daily dosing of immediate-release formulations.
- Patients should be screened for cardiac abnormalities and psychiatric conditions prior to initiation.
- Growth suppression is a concern in pediatric patients; consider drug holidays or alternative treatments if significant growth deceleration occurs.
- Abuse potential is high; store securely and monitor for signs of diversion or misuse.
- Advise patients to avoid abrupt discontinuation after prolonged high-dose therapy to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Alternative Therapies
- Methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, Quillivant XR)
- Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine)
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
- Atomoxetine (Strattera)
- Guanfacine ER (Intuniv)
- Clonidine ER (Kapvay)
- Non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy)