Cautions with other medicines
Some medicines can affect the way methylphenidate works and increase the risk of side effects.
Do not take methylphenidate if you're taking antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or if you've stopped taking them in the last 14 days.
Taking methylphenidate with these medicines can cause a sudden increase in your blood pressure. This could be dangerous. MAOIs include:
- isocarboxazid
- moclobemide
- phenelzine
- tranylcypromine
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including:
- medicines to treat depression or other mental health conditions
- epilepsy medicines
- blood pressure medicines
- medicines to treat or prevent blood clots
Some cough and cold medicines can also affect your blood pressure. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor before you buy cough and cold medicines. It's important to check whether these are OK for you to have while taking methylphenidate.
These are not all the medicines that may cause problems if you take them with methylphenidate. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.
Mixing methylphenidate with herbal remedies and supplements
There might be a problem taking some herbal remedies and supplements alongside methylphenidate, especially ones that cause sleepiness or a dry mouth, or make it difficult to pee.
Some supplements can react with methylphenidate and cause side effects, or make your medicine work less well.
There's not enough information to say that complementary medicines, herbal remedies and supplements are safe to take while taking methylphenidate. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.
Important: Medicine safety
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.