Final answer:
Pharmacy technicians should recognize hypertension as an adverse effect of methylphenidate, a stimulant drug used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pharmacy technician should recognize hypertension as an adverse effect of taking methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The drug works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to improve attention and focus.
As a stimulant, it can lead to several side effects which are quite the opposite of the options 'Increased appetite' and 'Weight gain', that typically include decreased appetite and potential weight loss. 'Drowsiness' is also an unlikely side effect since stimulants generally increase alertness. Therefore, hypertension, an increase in blood pressure, is the most likely adverse effect listed that a pharmacy technician should be aware of when dispensing methylphenidate.