Adults Taking Focalin XR

While many ADHD medications have not been studied in adults, Focalin XR has been studied in adults and is approved as a treatment for adult ADHD. Some common side effects in adults taking Focalin XR include headaches, dry mouth, and anxiety. People who have high blood pressure or heart problems should use caution when taking most stimulants, including Focalin XR. Make sure that your healthcare provider checks you for high blood pressure or heart problems prior to treatment with Focalin XR.

 

Adults Taking Focalin XR: An Overview

Focalin XR® (dexmethylphenidate extended-release) is a prescription medication licensed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, teenagers, and adults.
 

Focalin XR Use in Adults

Many of the ADHD medications available at this time have not been studied in adults. However, Focalin XR has been studied in adults and is approved to treat adult ADHD. In previous studies, Focalin XR was shown to be effective at reducing ADHD symptoms in adults.
 
Children and adults often have different side effects of medications. This is the case with Focalin XR. The most common side effects in adults taking Focalin XR include:
 
  • Headaches -- up to 39 percent of adults
  • Dry mouth -- up to 20 percent of adults
  • Anxiety -- up to 11 percent of adults
  • Upset stomach or heartburn -- up to 9 percent of adults
  • Throat pain -- up to 7 percent of adults.
     
In children, loss of appetite was the most common Focalin XR side effect. Loss of appetite was not reported to be a common Focalin XR side effect in adults.
 
Most stimulants (including Focalin XR) should be used with caution in people with high blood pressure (hypertension) or heart problems. While this is not usually a concern for most children (who generally do not have high blood pressure or heart problems), it is definitely cause for concern in adults. Be sure that your healthcare provider checks you for high blood pressure or heart problems before you start taking Focalin XR.
 
(Adults Taking Focalin XR Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;