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Metadate ER Side Effects

Generic name: methylphenidate

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 30, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Metadate ER Side Effects associated with methylphenidate. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Metadate ER.

Applies to methylphenidate: transdermal patch extended release.

Other dosage forms:

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Transdermal route (patch, extended release)

Warning: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction. Methylphenidate has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction.

Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate, can result in overdose and death, and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.

Before prescribing methylphenidate, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.

Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of the drug, and proper disposal of any unused drug.

Throughout methylphenidate treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.

Serious side effects of Metadate ER

Along with its needed effects, methylphenidate (the active ingredient contained in Metadate ER) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking methylphenidate:

More common side effects

  • aggressive and violent behavior
  • arm, back, or jaw pain
  • black, tarry stools
  • blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
  • blood in the urine
  • bloody nose
  • chest pain, discomfort, heaviness, or tightness
  • chills
  • cold
  • confusion
  • cough or hoarseness
  • cracks in the skin
  • crying
  • depersonalization
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • dysphoria
  • euphoria
  • fainting
  • fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • fever
  • flu-like symptoms
  • heavier menstrual periods
  • joint or muscle pain
  • loss of heat from the body
  • nausea
  • nervousness
  • paranoia
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • quick to react or overreact emotionally
  • rapidly changing moods
  • red, irritated eyes
  • red, swollen skin
  • scaly skin
  • seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
  • severe or sudden headache
  • skin rash or itching
  • sore throat
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
  • sudden loss of coordination
  • sudden slurring of speech
  • sweating
  • twitching, twisting, or uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare side effects

  • difficulty with breathing
  • high fever
  • increased sweating
  • loss of bladder control
  • seizures
  • severe muscle stiffness
  • tiredness
  • uncontrolled vocal outbursts or tics (uncontrolled repeated body movements)
  • unusually pale skin

Incidence not known

  • blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
  • chest pain
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • hives, itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • painful or difficult urination
  • pale skin
  • paleness or cold feeling in the fingertips and toes
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • swollen glands
  • tingling or pain in the fingers or toes when exposed to cold
  • trouble breathing

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking methylphenidate:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of Metadate ER

Some side effects of methylphenidate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • decreased weight
  • difficulty with moving
  • drowsiness
  • headache
  • loss of appetite
  • muscle pain or stiffness
  • redness of the skin
  • stomach pain
  • trouble sleeping
  • vomiting

Less common side effects

  • decreased appetite
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • weight loss

Incidence not known

  • bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)
  • bleeding, bruising, burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site
  • blurred or loss of vision
  • disturbed color perception
  • double vision
  • hair loss or thinning of the hair
  • halos around lights
  • increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
  • night blindness
  • overbright appearance of lights
  • tunnel vision

For healthcare professionals

Applies to methylphenidate: oral capsule extended release, oral powder for reconstitution extended release, oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet chewable extended release, oral tablet disintegrating extended release, oral tablet extended release, transdermal film extended release.

General adverse events

The more commonly reported adverse reactions have included decreased appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, insomnia, weight loss, anxiety, dizziness, irritability, affect lability, tachycardia, and increased blood pressure.[Ref]

Other

Psychiatric

Metabolic

Gastrointestinal

Nervous system

Endocrine

Respiratory

Musculoskeletal

Among patients 7 to 10 years old, consistently medicated (i.e., receiving methylphenidate for 7 days per week) for over 14 months, as well as in naturalistic subgroups of newly methylphenidate-treated patients over 36 months (ages of 10 to 13 years), a temporary slowing in growth rate (on average, a total of about 2 cm less growth in height and 2.7 kg less growth in weight over 3 years), has been observed compared to non-medicated patients. This slowing in growth rate has been observed without evidence of growth rebound.[Ref]

Local

Cardiovascular

Dermatologic

Immunologic

Ocular

Genitourinary

Hepatic

Hypersensitivity

Hematologic

References

1. (2022) "Product Information. Metadate CD (methylphenidate)." Celltech Pharmaceuticals Inc

2. (2002) "Product Information. Metadate ER (methylphenidate)." Celltech Pharmaceuticals Inc

3. (2002) "Product Information. Concerta (methylphenidate)." Alza

4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

6. (2013) "Product Information. Quillivant XR (methylphenidate)." NextWave Pharmaceuticals

7. (2019) "Product Information. Cotempla XR-ODT (methylphenidate)." Neos Therepeautics, Inc

8. (2019) "Product Information. Methylin (methylphenidate)." Mallinckrodt Medical Inc

9. (2019) "Product Information. Adhansia XR (methylphenidate)." Adlon Therapeutics

10. (2019) "Product Information. Daytrana (methylphenidate)." Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

11. (2019) "Product Information. Jornay PM (methylphenidate)." Ironshore Pharmaceuticals Inc.

12. (2001) "Product Information. Ritalin (methylphenidate)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Metadate ER side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.