Taking methylphenidate for adults with other medicines and herbal supplements

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.