Medikinet

Medikinet is a brand of methylphenidate medications used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is available in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XL) formulations, providing options for different dosing schedules to control symptoms across the day.

Mechanism of action: Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant. It increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain by blocking their reuptake, with notable effects in the prefrontal cortex. This helps improve attention, impulse control, and activity levels in many individuals with ADHD.

Uses: Medikinet is prescribed for ADHD in children and adolescents and, in some regions, for adults as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It is not suitable for everyone and treatment is individualized, often coordinated with behavioral therapy and education plans.

Administration: Medikinet IR tablets are usually taken by mouth, with dosing often divided across the day (for example, morning and midday), as directed by a clinician. Medikinet XL capsules are taken once daily in the morning; they should be swallowed whole. Dosing is tailored to response and tolerability, typically starting at a low dose and gradually increasing.

Safety and side effects: Common adverse effects include reduced appetite, weight loss, trouble sleeping, stomach pain, headache, and increased heart rate or blood pressure. Additional effects can include mood changes, anxiety, dizziness, and, with long-term use in children, possible slowed growth. Medikinet should be used with caution in people with cardiovascular disease, severe anxiety or psychosis, tics or Tourette syndrome, or a history of substance use disorder. It is contraindicated with certain conditions and should not be used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Regulatory status: Medikinet is a prescription-only medication in many countries and may be regulated as a controlled substance in some jurisdictions due to potential for misuse.