Description
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Symptoms to ADHD include short attention span, emotional changeability, continual problems with moderate to severe distractibility, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. This medication is part of a complete treatment program with psychological, social, and educational measures.
Store at room temperature. Keep away from moisture and heat.
Before taking Focalin (dexmethylphenidate), inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding; if you are taking prescription or over the counter medication, herbal preparation, or dietary supplements; if you are currently or have taken an MAO inhibitor such as phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), rasagiline (Azilect), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); if you have glaucoma, motor tics (twitches), a personal or family history of Tourette’s syndrome or have a significant tension, agitation, or anxiety; if you have seizures or epilepsy, heart disease, heart rhythm problems or congestive heart failure, severe depression or a history of mental illness, high blood pressure, if you recently had a heart attack or drug or alcohol addiction.
Do not give this medication to children 6 years old or younger.
Read the directions on the prescription label. Do not take larger doses than prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication as directed on the label or by your pharmacist, doctor, or other healthcare provider. When taking Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) your doctor may occasionally change the dose to make sure you are getting the best result from the medication. Each dose is taken with a full glass of water (8 ounces) in the morning before breakfast. It can be taken with or without food. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) may also be taken with a spoonful of applesauce to make swallowing easier. Open a capsule of the medication, sprinkle on the applesauce and swallow the medication without chewing. Throw away the empty capsule. This mixture must be eaten right away; it can not be saved for later use.
Do not use Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), rasagiline (Azilect), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the past 14 days.
Severe: Fast or uneven heart rate; unusual behavior, confusion; blurred vision or other visual changes; twitching or tics; increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure).
Common: Dry mouth, sore throat; loss of appetite; headache; sleep problems (insomnia); upset stomach; or feeling restless, anxious, or jittery.
Other: None.