|
Ritalin advertisement, 1968. Hospital and Community Psychiatry, Vol. 19, No. 4. when the clinical picture looks like this... change the scence quickly with RITALIN® (methylphenidate) rapid-acting, gentle, and well-tolerated stimulant/antidepressant Ritalin makes ideal initial therapy in psychiatric patients who are withdrawn, apathetinc, or who are overly lethargic from tranquilizers. Unlike the more potent but slower-acting antidepressants, Ritalin often improves social participation with the very first dose. Its stimulant effect occurs quickly but gently... lasts 4 or 5 hours... and ebbs smoothly, usually without rebound depression. relieves mild depression... chronic fatigue... drug-induced lethargy Notably well tolerated, even in the elderly Ritalin (methylphenidate) also has an outstanding safety record. Unlike potent MAO inhibitors and tricylclic compounds, muscle tremors, urinary retention, or adverse effects on blood, urine, or liver and kidney function are not to be anticipated with Ritalin. And Ritalin is much less likely than amphetamines to affect blood pressure, pulse rate, or appetite... even in the elderly. Contraindications: Marked anxiety, tension, agitation. Contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to the drug; in patients with glaucoma and with epilepsy, except to combabt lethargy induced by anticonvulsant drugs. Warnings: Should not be used for severe depression (exogenous or endogenous) except in the hospital under careful supervision. Should not be used to increase mental or physical capacities beyond physiological limits. Precautions: Patients with an element of agitation may react adversely; discontinue therapy if necessary. Use cautiously with epinephrine and vasopressors and in patients with hypertension. Adverse Reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions, nervousness, insomnia, anorexia, nausea, dizziness, palpitation, headache, drowsiness, skin rash. Rarely, blood pressure and pulse changes, both up and down, occur. Overt psychotic behavior and psychic dependence in emotionally unstable persons have occured rarely. Dosage: Administer orally in divided doses 2 or 3 times daily, preferably 30 to 45 minutes before meals. Dosage will depend upon indication and individual response, the average range being 20 to 60 mg daily. Supplied: Ritalin® hydrochloride (methylphenidate hydrochloride) Tablets, 20 mg (peach) 10 mg (pale green) and 5 mg (pale yellow). Consult complete product literature before prescribing. CIBA Pharmaceutical Company, Summit, N.J. |