Focalin XR is an extended-release stimulant ADHD medication used to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults. Learn about it uses, side effects, and dosages here.
It contains the same active ingredient as medications like Ritalin and Daytrana. It has not been studied in children under the age of 6.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends treatment with behavioral therapy for ADHD before medication for children under the age of 6.
Before starting or refilling a Focalin XR prescription, read the medication guide included with your pills, as it may be updated with new information. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you begin taking the medication.
As with all medications, follow your Focalin XR prescription instructions exactly. Focalin XR is taken orally, with or without food, once daily. The medication is typically taken first thing in the morning; it should be taken at the same time each day for the best results.
Capsules should be swallowed whole with water or other liquids. If your child is unable to swallow the capsule, it can be opened and sprinkled over a spoonful of applesauce. Taken this way, the mixture should be swallowed whole without chewing, followed by a drink of water or other liquid.
Capsules should never by crushed or chewed. Tablets are available in 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 25mg, 30mg, 35mg and 40mg dosages.
The time-release formulation is designed to maintain a steady level of medication in your body throughout the day. During treatment, your doctor may periodically ask you to stop taking Focalin XR so that he or she can monitor ADHD symptoms; check vital statistics including blood, heart, and blood pressure; or evaluate height and weight.
If any problems are found, your doctor may recommend discontinuing treatment. Some patients report developing a tolerance to Focalin XR after long-term use. If you notice that your dosage is no longer controlling your symptoms, talk to your doctor to plan a course of action. This side effect usually wears off with time. If side effects are bothersome, or do not go away, talk to your doctor. Most people taking this medication do not experience any of these side effects.
Report to your doctor any heart-related problems or a family history of heart and blood pressure problems before beginning any new prescription. Patients with structural cardiac abnormalities and other serious heart problems have experienced sudden death, stroke, heart attack, and increased blood pressure while taking Focalin XR.
Stimulants can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Physicians should monitor these vital signs closely during treatment. Call your doctor immediately if you or your child experiences warning signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking Focalin XR. Also disclose to your physician all mental health issues including any family history of suicide, bipolar illness, tics, or depression. It can cause psychotic or manic symptoms in children and teenagers.
Call your doctor immediately if you or your child experiences new or worsening mental health symptoms including hallucinations or sudden suspicions. Report to your doctor any new blood-flow problems, pain, skin color changes, or sensitivities to temperature while taking Focalin XR.
People with a history of drug abuse should use caution when trying this medication. Taking the medication exactly as prescribed can reduce potential for abuse.
The above is not a complete list of potential side effects. If you notice any health changes not listed above, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist. Store Focalin XR in a secure place out of reach of children, and at room temperature. Sharing prescription medication is illegal, and can cause harm. If you are thinking of becoming pregnant, discuss the use of Focalin XR with your doctor.
Animal studies indicate potential harm to a fetus. It is not known if Focalin XR is passed through breastmilk, so it is recommended that mothers do not nurse while taking it. Before taking Focalin XR, discuss all other active prescription medications with your doctor. Tell your doctor if you are taking seizure medications, blood thinners, blood pressure medication, antacids, or any medication containing a decongestant.
Share a list of all vitamin or herbal supplements, and prescription and non-prescription medications you take with the pharmacist when you fill your prescription, and let all doctors and physicians know you are taking Focalin XR before having any surgery or laboratory tests.
The above is not a complete list of all possible drug interactions. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Focalin XR dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride is an oral, extended-release stimulant approved for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD for children ages 6 to 12, teenagers, and adults.
Focalin XR begins to work an average of 45 minutes after it is taken. ADHD is a disorder of the brain that can cause inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The most common treatment has been prescription-strength stimulant medications, which are believed to maintain alertness and help people with ADHD concentrate and focus. It is believed that there may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors that lead to ADHD, and that stimulant drugs may reduce some of the symptoms by increasing neurotransmitter activity in certain regions in the brain.
The idea behind Focalin is that the dexmethylphenidate HCl isomer may have a more potent therapeutic effect than the methylphenidate in Ritalin and may produce fewer side effects. Because of this difference, Focalin is often prescribed at half the dose of Ritalin with equivalent therapeutic effects. Long-acting or extended-release stimulants have been considered advantageous because they can be taken fewer times per day, reducing the risk of missed doses or symptom fluctuations throughout the day.
However, when you consider that Daytrana, Ritalin LA, and Concerta are all long-acting forms of Ritalin methylphenidate , the number of choices is not quite as extensive as it appears in terms of the pharmacological action of these medications. At this time, there have not been convincing studies proving that Focalin is better or safer than Ritalin, Adderall, or other stimulants. Focalin XR is available in 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and mg capsules.
For example, if you or your child has taken Focalin 10 mg twice per day, then the Focalin XR dose would be 20 mg once per day. Focalin XR, as well as Ritalin LA, are capsules composed of 50 percent immediate-release beads and 50 percent delayed-release beads, trying to mimic twice-daily dosing.
If you or your child is given a prescription for Focalin XR, it should be taken in the morning. Focalin and Adderall have similar drug interactions. Focalin and Adderall use should be monitored in those taking serotonergic drugs, such as antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, and St. Combining Focalin or Adderall with serotonergic drugs can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Since stimulants can increase blood pressure, the effects of blood pressure medications may be decreased. Adjustments in dosage may be needed if you are taking a stimulant and blood pressure medication.
This could cause an increase or decrease in effects. Focalin and Adderall are controlled substances that have a high potential for abuse.
Taking these medications long-term can increase the risk of abuse and dependence, especially if they are taken outside of their prescribed dosage. These medications should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Focalin and Adderall are CNS stimulants that may be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as stroke and heart attacks. Their use should be monitored in those with a history of heart disease and heart rhythm problems arrhythmias. Stimulants can also increase blood pressure and heart rate.
Monitor blood pressure while taking stimulants, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure. The use of stimulants may cause or worsen other mental health problems. Monitor for signs of hostility, anxiety, aggression, paranoia, and depression while taking stimulants.
Before taking Focalin or Adderall, tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or bipolar disorder. Focalin is an ADHD prescription medication. It is available as a generic medication called dexmethylphenidate.
Focalin is part of a class of drugs called CNS stimulants. Immediate-release Focalin tablets are usually taken twice daily with effects that last up to four hours between doses. Focalin is also available in extended-release tablets. Adderall is a brand-name ADHD medication, also available as a generic drug, containing a combination of amphetamine salts. It works as a stimulant drug to improve focus and manage impulsivity in people with ADHD.
Adderall comes in immediate-release and extended-release forms. Both Focalin and Adderall work in similar ways by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. However, Focalin contains dexmethylphenidate and Adderall contains amphetamine salts. They also have some differences in available strengths and side effects. Studies suggest that Focalin is better for treating children and adolescents while Adderall is better for treating adults with ADHD.
Both drugs are available in immediate-release and extended-release versions. Consult your healthcare provider for the best treatment option for you. There may be a risk of birth defects with the use of Focalin or Adderall while pregnant.
Stimulants should only be used if the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Not enough information is known about the risk of adverse effects while taking stimulants during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider before using Focalin or Adderall while pregnant. It is not generally recommended to drink alcohol while taking Focalin or Adderall. Consuming alcohol while on a stimulant can increase the risk of side effects, especially those on the heart. Combining alcohol and stimulants can also increase the risk of abuse, dependence, and overdose.
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