Side effects - Heart burn and SEVERE cotton mouth???

[Boca Bitch]

SWIM took focalin 20mg. about 1 hr ago, and is beginning to feel its effects. SWIM's never done methylphenidate before, but done plenty of amphetamines.

SWIM started experiencing the heart burn about 20 minutes ago. And the cotton-mouth seems rather exaggerated, in comparison to what he experiences on amphetamines.

I told SWIM that heartburn is a common side-effect of methylphenidate, according to the list of side-effects on several medical web pages. He's not particularly concerned about his health, but it's rather uncomfortable, and he'd like to know a way to rid himself of it, or to be warned should there be any potentially dangerous complications linked to this side-effect. If this was a higher dose, he would be more worried.

The fact that his mouth is sooooooo dry in comparison to amphetamine highs, made him think that the heartburn is related to dehydration. So is the answer to just drink water?

Thank you for your help!!! SWIM will appreciate it!

Boca Bitch added 64 Minutes and 17 Seconds later...

Well, SWIM just told me that his heartburn passed, but he still feels extremely dehydrated. He's currently experiencing decently strong heart palpitations, although they seem somewhat regular in rhythm.

Again.. commonly listed side-effects, and he seems to be enjoying himself, so I'm not concerned.

But he'd still like input on the occurrence of the heartburn. Is there any way that he can avoid it, or minimize the discomfort? He asked me about taking an anti-acid, and while I do have a decent amount of knowledge on the psychological and physiological effects amphetamines/methylphenidate commonly cause, it's pretty much restricted to interactions in the CNS (central nervous system). Being unsure about potential gastrointestinal interactions, I suggested he wait it out.

So are complications possible if he takes an anti-acid? I was most concerned about the stimulant causing a change in the stomach acid pH, and the possibility of unintentionally potentiating the methylphenidate's effects by raising its absorption.

While I think it unlikely, it's still better safe than sorry. I'd prefer to not find out my friend burned a hole in his stomach by taking tums. :P