Focalin what is it used for

His doctor is prescribing a 5 mg dose of regular Focalin to be taken after lunch that will get him through the rest of the day. My 8-year-old daughter has been on Focalin XR 10 mg for about a year now. By the end of the last school year she was on 15 mg. But I was concerned about how much weight she had lost. She had dropped almost 10 lbs. So for the summer our neurologist brought her back down to 10 mg.

My girl is also very active in extra curricular activities in the evenings and we are considering opening up the discussion to maybe giving her Intuniv in the evenings. My 8-year-old son has been on Focalin XR for almost a year at 10mg morning dose only , paired with 1mg of Intuniv. He seems to be doing okay at school, but the effects seem to wear off by the afternoon. My son, at 8, was on Focalin XR.

He started at 10mg which the pediatrician said was a low dose and went up to 30mg. It was wonderful. Unfortunately, we had to switch to another med after about a year, because the Focalin started to wear off way too soon and the rebound effect became really bad. My daughter, 9, also takes Focalin XR. We just increased her dosage to 15 mg a couple of weeks ago due to her inattention and hyperactivity increasing. She had been doing very well on the 10 mg dosage for quite some time. She also has sleep issues.

Our pediatrician prescribed 0. We also give her 6 mgs of melatonin with the Clonidine okayed by the pediatrician before we want her to go to sleep. My son, 12, currently is taking 15 mg of Focalin XR. Since he only takes 1 dose fairly early in the day around a. However, sometimes he still has trouble going to sleep and on those nights, he takes valerian root. This worked well short-term but caused our daughter many side effects loss of appetite, significant weight loss, anxiety, sleeplessness, irritability.

After taking since Sep , we took her off the medication in January of this year. This medication did nothing to help with impulse control. We are now doing supplements, mindfulness, and restricting electronic devices substantially.

The issues we were facing previously are still there distractedness, hyperactivity, impulse control issues but my child is not irritable all the timei, she is willing to try new foods, is eating and sleeping better, and is willing to try new things.

It continues to be a long road, but for us medication was not the answer. My 13 yrs old was switched to this in January after 7 years of different doses of Vyvanse and the issues we were seeing, crying, zombie,tics, picking off skin, roller coasters..

He takes a 20 mg dose about a. We have added and afternoon 5 mg of Focalin, to try and get him through homework. He still cannot sit long enough to get work done or stay on track, but the extra efforts I have to do to help him, far outway the side effects of the other medicine and he can tell a huge difference also.

I had trouble breathing and my face broke out in a horrific rash. This medication works very well for a lot of people, but if you or your child decides to start it please be mindful of rare reactions like mine!! 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.

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. Report to your doctor any new blood-flow problems, pain, skin color changes, or sensitivities to temperature while taking Focalin.

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.

It has been extensively studied, however, by other governmental agencies and found to be both effective and safe down to 3 years of age. The effects of Focalin on adults over age 65 have not been studied. If you are thinking of becoming pregnant, discuss the use of Focalin with your doctor.

The FDA designates dex-MPH as a Pregnancy Risk Category C, which means that no risk of birth defects, difficulty with the pregnancy, or problems during delivery or the post-partum period have been found but cannot be absolutely ruled out either.

Dex-MPH Focalin is passed through breast milk. Store Focalin in a secure place out of reach of children, and at room temperature. Sharing prescription medication is illegal, and can cause harm. Before taking Focalin, discuss all other active prescription medications with your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you are taking seizure medications, blood thinners, blood pressure medication, 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 before having any surgery or laboratory tests.

The above is not a complete list of all possible drug interactions. Food and Drug Administration