What is Focalin XR?
Focalin XR, a stimulant used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), is an effective treatment for ADHD. Focalin XR can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Focalin XR
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and/or a fever.
Focalin may cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if:
- Signs of heart disease include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the feeling that you may pass out.
- Psychosis symptoms include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real), new thought or behavioral issues, aggression, hostility and paranoia;
- Signs of circulation problems: numbness, pain or cold feeling in your toes or fingers, unexplained injuries, or changes in skin color (pale, blue, or red appearance);
- 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, Focalin XR can affect growth in 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 XR can cause the following side effects:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, stomach pain;
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Adderall, Vyvanse, methylphenidate, Strattera, Ritalin, and Concerto
Warnings
Stimulants can cause strokes, heart attacks, and sudden deaths in people who have high blood pressure or heart disease. Focalin XR can cause psychosis, especially if there is a previous history of mental illness or bipolar disorder. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: signs that indicate heart problems—chest pain, feeling lightheaded or short-of-breath—or indicators of psychosis—paranoia, aggressiveness, new thoughts or behavior problems, or seeing or hearing something that is not real. Focalin XR can be addictive. Inform your doctor of any history of alcohol or drug abuse. Keep your medication out of reach of others.
Before you take this drug
Focalin XR should not be taken if you have an allergy to Focalin XR, methylphenidate, or Concerta (Ritalin).
Stimulants can cause strokes, heart attacks, and sudden deaths in some people. Inform your doctor if:
- Heart problems or a congenital heart defect;
- High blood pressure
- A family history of cardiac disease or sudden death.
Focalin XR should not be used if an MAO inhibitor has been taken in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug-drug interaction may occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. Inform your doctor if other medications are being used for migraine headaches, severe infections, Parkinson’s disease, or opioids. A serious condition known as serotonin syndrome could be caused by an interaction with focalin.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Depression, mental illness, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts and actions
- Blood circulation problems in the hands or feet
- Drug abuse or alcoholism.
If you become dependent on this medication during pregnancy, it can lead to premature births or low birth weight. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your name could be added to a registry if you are pregnant in order to monitor the effects of dexmethylphenidate. Ask your doctor if you can safely breastfeed while taking this medication. No one under the age of 6 is allowed to use this product.
How to take Focalin XR?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as it is prescribed. Focalin XR can be addictive. Abuse of the drug can lead to addiction, overdose, or death. Store it in a place where others cannot reach it. It is illegal to sell or give away this medication. Focalin XR should be taken at least twice daily, separated by 4 hours. Take Focalin XR 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 can't swallow the capsule in its entirety, mix it with applesauce. 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, heat, and heat. Store your medication in a safe place so that no one else can misuse it.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A fatal overdose of Focalin XR is possible. Overdose symptoms include dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, agitation (tremor), muscle twitches or pain, hallucinations or confusion, muscle weakness, sweating or fever, headaches, pounding or pounding of the neck or ears, or fast heartbeats.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Antidepressants are a type of medication.
- Blood pressure medications
This list is incomplete. Focalin may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions with drugs.
