What is Focalin?
Focalin stimulates the central nervous system. It affects brain chemicals that are responsible for hyperactivity and impulse regulation. Focalin, a prescription medication used to treat hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder (ADHD), Focalin is part of an overall treatment plan for ADHD, which may also include counseling and other therapies.
Warnings
Focalin should not be used if you've taken a MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (phenelzine), rasagiline (selegiline), tranylcypromine, or methyleneblue injection. Focalin should not be used if you suffer from glaucoma or Tourette syndrome or have severe anxiety or tension. Dexmethylphenidate, a drug that is often abused, can be addictive. Inform your doctor of any drug or alcohol abuse problems. Keep your medication out of reach of others. Focalin, a stimulant, has caused sudden death, strokes, heart attacks, and heart disease in people who have high blood pressure or heart disease. Focalin can cause psychosis, especially if there is a previous history of mental illness or bipolar disorder.
Focalin can cause problems with blood circulation that may result in numbness, pain, or discoloration of your fingers or toes. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: signs that your heart is having problems—chest discomfort, feeling lightheaded or short of breath; signs that your mind is experiencing psychosis—paranoia, aggressiveness, new behavioral problems, or seeing or hearing something that does not exist; indications of circulation problems—unexplained injuries on your fingers and toes.
Before you take this drug
Focalin should not be taken if you have an allergy to dexmethylphenidate (methylphenidate) or Ritalin (Concerta).
Stimulants have the potential to cause strokes, heart attacks and sudden deaths in certain people. Consult your physician immediately if any adverse reactions such as:
- Heart problems or a congenital heart defect;
- High blood pressure
- Family histories that involve sudden deaths or cardiovascular disease should be of particular concern.
Focalin should not be used if an MAO inhibitor has been taken in the last 14 days. There's always the risk that a dangerous drug interaction will take place.MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. Inform your doctor if other medications are being used, such as stimulant medicines, opioids, herbal remedies, or medication for mental illness, Parkinson’s disease, or migraine headaches. A serious condition known as serotonin-induced syndrome can be caused by an interaction between focalin and other medications.
Inform your doctor of any of the following issues:
- Depression, mental illness, psychosis or suicidal thoughts or actions may all increase.
- Blood circulation problems in the hands or feet
- Drug abuse or alcoholism.
Dependence on focalin can lead to premature births or low birthweight. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your name may appear on a registry if you are pregnant to track dexmethylphenidate's effects on your baby. Ask your doctor if you can safely breastfeed if you are taking this medication. Focalin should not be used by children under 6 years of age.
Similar/related drugs
Adderall, Vyvanse, methylphenidate, Strattera, Ritalin, and Concerto
How to take Focalin?
Adhere to the instructions on your prescription label and read any medication guides or instruction sheets provided. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose. Dexmethylphenidate can be addictive. Abuse can lead to addiction, overdose, or death. Store the medication in a place where others cannot reach it. It is illegal to sell or give away Focalin. Take Focalin twice daily, but at least four hours apart. Take Focalin either with or without food. Take the regular tablet at least four hours apart, twice daily. Take the extended-release capsule in the morning. Do not open, crush, chew or break the capsule. If you find it difficult to take an entire capsule at once, try mixing it with applesauce instead. When mixed, swallow immediately without chewing!
The mixture should be swallowed immediately without chewing. Regularly, your doctor will check on you. You may need to have your heart rate and blood pressure checked frequently. Inform your doctor of any planned surgeries. Counseling or other treatments may be included in your treatment. Store tightly closed, at room temperature, and away from moisture, light, and heat. Store your medication in a safe place so that no one else can misuse it.
Details on dosage
Adult dose of focalin:
Immediate-Release:
Patients new to methylphenidate or those on stimulants other than methylphenidate
Initial dosage: 2.5 mg twice daily, orally at least four hours apart.
Patients currently on methylphenidate
Initial dose: half the daily dose of methylphenidate. Divide the dose and give orally two doses a day, at least four hours apart.
Dosage can be adjusted in increments from 2.5 to 5 mg per week, depending on the response and needs.
Maximum daily dosage: 20 mg. 10 mg twice per day is optimal.
Extended Release (XR)
Patients new to this drug, methylphenidate, or stimulants other than methylphenidate
Initial dose: 10mg orally, once per day.
Patients currently on methylphenidate
Initial dose: Orally, one-half the daily dose of methylphenidate
Patients currently taking dexmethylphenidate IR:
Initial dose: same dexmethylphenidate daily dose taken orally, once per day
The dose can be adjusted weekly by 10 mg in increments, depending on the response and needs.
Maximum dose: 40 mg/day.
The usual pediatric dose of focalin for attention deficit disorder is:
Age 6 or older
Immediate-Release:
Patients new to methylphenidate or those on stimulants other than methylphenidate
Initial dosage: 2.5 mg twice daily, orally at least four hours apart.
Patients currently on methylphenidate
Initial dose: half the daily dose of methylphenidate. Divide the dose and give orally two doses a day, at least four hours apart.
Dosage can be adjusted in increments from 2.5 to 5 mg per week, depending on the response and needs.
Maximum dose: 20 mg/day
Extended Release (XR)
Patients new to this drug, methylphenidate, or stimulants other than methylphenidate
Initial dosage: 5 mg once daily orally
Patients currently on methylphenidate
Initial dose: Orally, one-half the daily dose of methylphenidate
Patients currently taking dexmethylphenidate IR:
Initial dose: same dexmethylphenidate daily dose taken orally, once per day
Weekly, adjust the dose in 5 mg increments according to your needs and response.
Maximum dose: 30 mg/day
Comments:
The dose should be tailored to the individual patient's needs and responses.
The immediate-release tablets can be taken two times a week, at least four hours apart. (with or without food). The extended-release capsules are taken one time a day (without or with food) in the morning. If necessary, you may open the capsule and sprinkle it on applesauce. (See Administration Advice.)
If paradoxical symptoms worsen or other adverse effects occur, it may be necessary to reduce the dose or stop using the drug.
If improvement is not seen after 1 month of optimal dosage, the drug should be stopped.
Use: To treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD).
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and skip any missed ones when your next scheduled one approaches. Do not take more than one at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A dexmethylphenidate overdose could be fatal. Overdose symptoms include dry mouth, nausea, and agitation. Other symptoms are dilated pupils, confusion, hallucinations or muscle pain, sweating or fever, headaches, or pounding in the neck or ears.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverages, or physical activities, be sure to adhere to their directions.
Side effects of Focalin
If you experience any of the following: fever, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty inhaling, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- Signs of heart problems include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the feeling that you could pass out.
- Signs of psychosis include hallucinations, new thoughts or behaviors, aggression, hostility, or paranoia.
- Signs of Circulation Problems include numbness or pain in the fingers or toes. Cold feeling. Unexplained injuries. Skin color changes.
- Penis erections that are painful or last 4 hours or more
If you experience symptoms of serotonin disorder, including agitation or hallucinations, a rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness, and twitching, Dexmethylphenidate may affect the growth of children. It may be necessary to check your child's weight and height frequently. If your child's growth is not normal, tell your doctor.
Focalin may cause side effects such as:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, stomach pain;
There may be other side effects.To seek medical advice regarding side effects, speak to your doctor directly or reach out to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 - both can be reached for reporting purposes.
Interaction with other drug
As soon as possible, notify your physician of all other medications, such as:
- Antidepressants are a type of medication.
- Blood pressure medications
This list is incomplete. Dexmethylphenidate may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
