Focalin XR is a drug used to treat ADHD. This eMedTV Web page gives an overview of the prescription medicine, noting in particular its effects, dosing guidelines, and strengths -- as well as what to tell your doctor before you take it.
Common Focalin XR side effects can include dry mouth, anxiety, and headache. This eMedTV Web page also lists some of the more serious side effects of this drug (such as seizures), as well as rare reactions, like insomnia and drowsiness.
Weight loss may be a potential side effect of Focalin XR. This eMedTV article explores Focalin XR and weight loss, explaining that the drug can be prescribed to help with weight loss, even though the FDA has not approved it for this use.
This portion of the eMedTV archives explores Focalin XR and depression, explaining that although depression could be a potential side effect of Focalin XR, the medication is sometimes used off-label to treat symptoms of depression.
As this eMedTV page explains, hair loss is a side effect of a drug similar to Focalin XR -- but it wasn't reported as a common side effect of Focalin XR in short-term studies. If you're taking Focalin XR and hair loss occurs, talk to your doctor.
This eMedTV resource explains how Focalin XR is used to treat symptoms of ADHD in children and adults by causing a calming effect. This page also outlines some off-label Focalin XR uses, such as treating narcolepsy or depression.
For adults who are new to methylphenidate, Focalin XR dosing starts at 10 mg once daily. This eMedTV page also lists Focalin XR dosages for children who haven't taken methylphenidate (5 mg once daily) and people who have taken methylphenidate before.
Taking Focalin XR with MAO inhibitors can cause life-threatening side effects like very high blood pressure. This eMedTV segment covers other Focalin XR drug interactions, which can potentially occur with seizure drugs, warfarin, and other medicines.
Sudden death can potentially occur in some children and adolescents taking Focalin XR. This eMedTV article explores other Focalin XR warnings and precautions, including possible drug interactions and the safety of taking Focalin XR while nursing.
Focalin XR can cause withdrawal symptoms if it is taken in high doses and then quickly stopped. This eMedTV page covers Focalin XR withdrawal symptoms (like depression) and explains that you should see your doctor for help with Focalin XR withdrawal.
This portion of the eMedTV archives discusses why snorting Focalin XR may potentially be dangerous and explains that if you need help for Focalin XR abuse or addiction -- including snorting Focalin XR -- you should see your healthcare provider.
A pregnant woman may take Focalin XR if its benefits outweigh the possible risks to her fetus. This eMedTV page explains that Focalin XR and pregnancy haven't been tested together in humans, but the drug caused problems to the fetus in animal studies.
A person can be prosecuted under federal and some state laws for getting Focalin XR without a prescription. This eMedTV Web page explains that Focalin XR is not safe for everyone and should not be used without a healthcare provider's supervision.
This eMedTV segment explains that you should not buy any drug currently sold as "generic Focalin XR." The earliest possible date that an approved generic for Focalin XR could become available is 2015, when the patent for Focalin XR expires.
It is possible to overdose on Focalin XR. This portion of the eMedTV Web site describes some symptoms of a Focalin XR overdose (such as hallucinations and shakiness), as well as possible treatment options (including fluids through an IV).
As this eMedTV article explains, Focalin XR is a Schedule II controlled substance. As with most other stimulants, it is likely that some people will abuse Focalin XR. Controlled substances are drugs that are very habit-forming or are likely to be abused.
Focalin XR is approved to treat adult ADHD. This eMedTV page lists some common side effects for adults taking Focalin XR, and also explains why it's important for adults to be checked for high blood pressure or heart problems before taking this drug.
People who have abused drugs or alcohol are more likely to abuse Focalin XR and should probably avoid it. This eMedTV page covers Focalin XR and alcohol, noting that taking them together may affect your ability to perform tasks requiring concentration.
This eMedTV segment describes some of the alternatives to Focalin XR, such as other medications and lifestyle changes. This page outlines some specific stimulant and non-stimulant medicines and lists some drugs that are used off-label to treat ADHD.
