This is a CNS stimulant

Indications: narcolepsy, excessive drug sedation, hyperkinetic behavior in children (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder); cerebral arteriosclerosis.

Cautions: epilepsy, hypertension, tolerance or dependence can occur, avoid long-term use, pregnancy.

Contra-indications: cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, severe depression, psychosis; anxiety, hyper excitability or restlessness; tics or a family history of Tourette syndrome; drug or alcohol dependence; hyperthyroidism; breast-feeding.

Side Effects: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, dry mouth, anorexia, reduced weight gain; tachycardia, palpitation, arrhythmias, changes in blood pressure; tics (very rarely Tourette Syndrome), insomnia, nervousness, asthenia, depression, irritability, aggression, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, movement disorders; fever; arthralgia; rash, pruritus, alopecia; less commonly diarrhoea, abnormal dreams, confusion, suicidal ideation, urinary frequency, haematuria, muscle cramps, epistaxis; rarely angina, growth restriction, visual disturbances; very rarely hepatic dysfuntion, myocardial infarction, cerebral arteritis, psychosis, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tolerance and dependence, blood disorders including leucopenia and thrombocytopenia, angle- closure glaucoma, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme.

Dose: 10 mg 2-3 times daily before food (last dose not later than 4 p.m.)

Child above 6 years, 5 mg twice daily increasing if necessary by weekly increments of 5-10 mg max. 60 mg daily in divided doses.

Not recommended for children under 6 years.