Cautions with other medicines
Some medicines can affect the way methylphenidate works and increase the risk of side effects.
Talk to their doctor or a pharmacist before giving them methylphenidate if your child is taking any other medicines, including:
- medicines to treat depression or other mental health conditions
- medicines for epilepsy
- blood pressure medicines
- medicines that treat or prevent blood clots
- medicines for coughs and colds
Some cough and cold medicines can affect blood pressure so speak to a pharmacist or doctor before buying these for your child. It's important to check if they're OK to have while taking methylphenidate.
These are not all the medicines that may cause problems if your child takes them with methylphenidate. For a full list, see the leaflet inside the medicine packet.
Mixing methylphenidate for children with herbal remedies and supplements
Some studies have suggested that omega-3 and omega-6 supplements can help with ADHD. However, the evidence is limited and more research is needed.
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.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving any to your child.
Important
Tell your child's doctor or a pharmacist if your child is taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.