Compare
Medrol vs. Ritalin

Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is a steroid medication used to treat different medical conditions with an overactive immune system. It's typically available by prescription as tablets. And it sometimes comes in a dose pack, which helps you organize the tablets into specific days and times. If you use methylprednisolone (Medrol) for a long time, it might cause certain side effects, such as weight gain, skin thinning, and high blood sugar.

Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is used for many different medical conditions, including:

• Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
• Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
• Lupus
• Skin conditions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Allergic reactions
• Eye inflammation
• Lung problems
• Conditions related to blood cells
• Cancer of blood cells (e.g., leukemia)
• Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
• Multiple sclerosis

• Swelling
• Muscle weakness
• Stomach pain
• Bloating
• Increased appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight gain
• Dizziness

• New or worsened infection
• Mood and behavior changes
• Reduced adrenal gland function
• Changes in heart and kidney function
• Stomach problems
• Bone problems with long-term use
• Eye problems with long-term use
• High blood sugar

Methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) is a stimulant medication that's used for treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness) in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It works by raising the levels of certain chemicals in your brain to keep you focused and awake. The dosage is typically 2 to 3 times per day because it's an immediate-release form of methylphenidate. Side effects of this medication include low appetite, nervousness, and trouble sleeping.

• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

Side effects might differ depending on the formulation. In general:

• Headache
• Anxiety
• Trouble sleeping
• Low appetite
• Weight loss

• Misuse and dependence
• Serious heart problems
• Changes in behavior or thoughts
• Prolonged and painful erection
• Blood circulation problem (Raynaud's phenomenon)
• Slowed growth in children
• Serotonin syndrome
• Drug interactions
• Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only