An Overview of Focalin XR Dosage
- Your age
- Other ADHD medications you may have tried
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your
Focalin XR dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Focalin XR Dosage for ADHD
People who are new to
methylphenidate products (such as
Concerta®,
Ritalin®, Metadate
®, or
Methylin®) should start with Focalin XR 5 mg once daily for children and Focalin XR 10 mg once daily for adults.
People who have been on methylphenidate before should start at half the total daily dose of methylphenidate taken before. For people switching from Focalin tablets to Focalin XR, the total dose per day should be the same. The maximum recommended dose of Focalin XR is 20 mg per day.
The Focalin XR dose may be increased at weekly intervals, if necessary.
General Focalin XR Dosage Information
Some considerations for people taking Focalin XR include:
- Focalin XR comes in capsule form. It should be taken once daily in the morning.
- Focalin XR capsules contain tiny beads that release the medication slowly, so it is important to swallow Focalin XR whole (do not chew or crush it).
- For people who have difficultly swallowing, Focalin XR capsules may be opened and the beads may be sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce. The applesauce should be eaten right away and should not be chewed.
- It does not matter if you take Focalin XR with or without food. If Focalin XR bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- For Focalin XR to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Focalin XR will not work if you take it in a way other than how your healthcare provider has prescribed.
- If you are unsure about anything related to Focalin XR or your Focalin XR dosage, please talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking Focalin XR without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
