Dexmethylphenidate 30mg ER Capsules
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided to you and follow the instructions closely. You can take this medication with or without food, but keep in mind that taking it with food may delay its effects. To minimize sleep disturbances, take your medication early in the day.
It's essential to swallow the medication whole; do not chew or crush it. If you have difficulty swallowing the medication whole, you can sprinkle the contents onto applesauce. If you choose this method, swallow the mixture immediately without chewing.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Avoid storing it in a bathroom. Keep your medication in a safe and 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. This will help prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.
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 the capsule whole in the morning, with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or divide the capsule.
- Avoid taking the medication late in the day to prevent sleep problems (insomnia).
- Maintain a healthy diet and regular sleep schedule.
- Store the medication securely to prevent misuse or theft.
- Do not share your medication with others.
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
Dexmethylphenidate Extended-Release Capsules has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including Dexmethylphenidate Extended-Release Capsules, can result in overdose and death, and serious cardiovascular and psychiatric adverse reactions. Before prescribing Dexmethylphenidate Extended-Release Capsules, assess each patientβs risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of the drug, and proper disposal of unused drug. Monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction during treatment.
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 or seek medical help right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of liver problems, including:
+ Dark urine
+ Tiredness
+ Decreased appetite
+ Upset stomach or stomach pain
+ Light-colored stools
+ Vomiting
+ Yellow skin or eyes
Fast heartbeat
Joint pain
Purple patches on the skin or mouth
Changes in eyesight or eye pain, swelling, or redness
Seizures
Shakiness
Trouble 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 feeling in the hands or feet
Sores or wounds on the fingers or toes
Difficulty urinating or changes in urine output
Muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, or trouble passing urine
Changes in sex interest
Erectile Dysfunction Warning
If you experience a painful erection (hard penis) or an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, seek medical attention immediately. This can occur even when you are not having sex. If left untreated, it may lead to lasting sexual problems and impotence.
Cardiovascular Warning
Sudden deaths have occurred in people with certain heart problems or defects. Inform your doctor if you have any heart condition or defect. If a family member has an abnormal heartbeat or died suddenly, notify your doctor. Seek medical help immediately if you experience:
Chest pain
Abnormal heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Severe dizziness or fainting
Mental Health Warning
New or worsening behavior 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 problems, 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, thoughts of suicide, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or loss of interest in life
Serotonin Syndrome Warning
A severe and 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
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Flushing
Muscle twitching or stiffness
Seizures
Shivering or shaking
Excessive sweating
Severe diarrhea, upset stomach, or vomiting
Severe headache
Other Possible Side Effects
While many people may not experience side effects or may only have minor side effects, it is essential to be aware of the following:
Dizziness or headache
Feeling sleepy
Feeling nervous and excitable
Stomach pain or heartburn
Weight loss
Decreased appetite
Trouble sleeping
Dry mouth
Upset stomach or vomiting
Throat pain
If you experience any of these side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help.
Reporting Side Effects
You can 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)
- New or worsening aggression, hostility, or irritability
- New psychotic symptoms (e.g., hearing voices, believing things that are not true)
- New manic symptoms (e.g., extreme energy, racing thoughts)
- Numbness, coolness, or pain in fingers or toes, or skin color changes (Raynaud's phenomenon)
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. Describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including the symptoms that occurred.
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 had 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: taking this medication with these drugs can lead to very high blood pressure)
Current use of certain medications, such as:
+ Linezolid
+ Methylene blue
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine if it is safe to take this medication with your existing health conditions and medications. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
Before operating a vehicle or engaging in activities that require your full attention, make sure you understand how this medication affects you. Avoid driving or performing tasks that demand alertness until you have a clear understanding of its effects.
Long-term use or high doses of this medication may lead to tolerance, reducing its effectiveness. If you experience a decrease in the medication's effectiveness, contact your doctor. Do not exceed the prescribed dose, as this can lead to adverse consequences.
Your doctor may recommend heart tests before starting this medication, especially if you have pre-existing heart conditions. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor.
This medication may increase the risk of seizures, particularly in individuals with a history of seizure disorders. Consult your doctor to assess your risk and discuss any necessary precautions.
There is a potential risk of high blood pressure associated with this medication. Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate as directed by your doctor, and seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe headaches, dizziness, fainting, or changes in vision.
To minimize potential interactions, limit your consumption of caffeine (found in tea, coffee, cola, and chocolate) while taking this medication, as it may cause nervousness, shakiness, and rapid heartbeat. Additionally, avoid consuming alcohol during treatment.
If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor before using over-the-counter (OTC) products that may exacerbate the condition, 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.
This medication may cause changes in behavior and mood, including altered thinking, anger, and hallucinations. If you or a family member have a history of mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder, or if a family member has attempted suicide, inform your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience hallucinations, changes in behavior, or signs of mood changes, including depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional instability, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or loss of interest in life.
In some cases, this medication may affect growth in children and adolescents. Regular growth checks may be necessary, so discuss this with your doctor.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Agitation
- Tremor
- Hyperreflexia
- Muscle twitching
- Convulsions (may be followed by coma)
- 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 Poison Control immediately (1-800-222-1222). Seek emergency medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (concurrent use or within 14 days of MAOI discontinuation due to risk of hypertensive crisis)
Major Interactions
- Vasopressor agents (risk of hypertensive crisis)
- Halogenated anesthetics (risk of sudden death)
- Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, triptans, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, St. John's Wort) (risk of serotonin syndrome)
- Antihypertensive drugs (may reduce the hypotensive effect of these drugs)
Moderate Interactions
- Coumarin anticoagulants (may prolong prothrombin time)
- Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone) (may alter plasma concentrations)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (e.g., imipramine, desipramine) (may inhibit metabolism and increase plasma concentrations)
- Dopaminergic drugs (e.g., antipsychotics, dopamine agonists) (potential for pharmacodynamic antagonism)
Minor Interactions
- Alcohol (may increase plasma levels of dexmethylphenidate)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: Risk of cardiovascular adverse events (hypertension, tachycardia).
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: Risk of growth suppression in pediatric patients.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: Risk of exacerbation of pre-existing psychiatric conditions or emergence of new symptoms.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: To assess risk of serious cardiovascular events.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: At each visit or at least every 3-6 months.
Target: Within normal limits for age/sex.
Action Threshold: Sustained elevation (e.g., >95th percentile for age/sex or clinically significant increase) warrants dose reduction or discontinuation.
Frequency: Every 3-6 months in children and adolescents.
Target: Normal growth trajectory.
Action Threshold: Significant growth deceleration or weight loss warrants evaluation and potential dose adjustment/drug holiday.
Frequency: At each visit.
Target: Improved attention, reduced impulsivity/hyperactivity.
Action Threshold: Lack of efficacy or worsening symptoms warrants dose adjustment or alternative therapy.
Frequency: At each visit.
Target: Absence of new or worsening symptoms.
Action Threshold: New onset or worsening of symptoms warrants immediate evaluation and potential discontinuation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Syncope (fainting)
- Palpitations
- New or worsening aggression
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Mania
- Agitation
- Unexplained wounds or pain in fingers/toes (Raynaud's phenomenon)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Based on animal data, dexmethylphenidate may cause fetal harm. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Dexmethylphenidate and/or its metabolites are excreted into human milk. Monitor breastfed infants for agitation, insomnia, decreased weight gain, or other adverse reactions. Use with caution, and consider the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding along with the motherβs clinical need for the drug and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant.
Pediatric Use
Approved for children 6 years and older. Monitor growth (height and weight) regularly due to potential for growth suppression. Monitor for emergence of new psychiatric symptoms.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Use with caution, generally starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Dexmethylphenidate ER capsules can be opened and the beads sprinkled onto a small amount of applesauce and consumed immediately for patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules whole.
- Take in the morning to avoid insomnia; avoid late afternoon or evening doses.
- Regularly monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and growth (in children) throughout treatment.
- Educate patients and caregivers about the high potential for abuse and dependence, and the importance of secure storage.
- Consider drug holidays (e.g., weekends or school breaks) in pediatric patients to mitigate growth suppression, if clinically appropriate and discussed with a healthcare provider.
Alternative Therapies
- Other methylphenidate formulations (e.g., methylphenidate ER, transdermal patch, chewable tablets)
- Amphetamine-based stimulants (e.g., mixed amphetamine salts ER, lisdexamfetamine)
- Non-stimulants (e.g., atomoxetine, guanfacine ER, clonidine ER)
- Behavioral therapy