Focalin XR Side Effects

Throat pain, anxiety, and loss of appetite are a few common side effects of Focalin XR. Some uncommon Focalin XR side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and feeling jittery. A few side effects with this medicine that you should report to your healthcare provider include chest tightness, suicidal thoughts, and fainting or seizures. You should also let your healthcare provider know if you experience anything that "just does not seem right" during treatment with Focalin XR.

 

Focalin XR Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects of Focalin XR® (dexmethylphenidate extended-release). However, not everyone who takes Focalin XR will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Focalin XR well. When people do develop Focalin XR side effects, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(The Focalin XR side effects discussed below are not a complete list of the side effects reported with Focalin XR. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Focalin XR side effects with you.)
 

Common Focalin XR Side Effects

Focalin XR has been thoroughly studied in clinical trials, with many people having been evaluated. In these studies, the side effects occurring in a group of people taking the drug are always documented and compared to the side effects that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common Focalin XR side effects include:
 
  • Headaches -- up to 39 percent of people
  • Appetite loss -- up to 30 percent of people (see Focalin XR and Weight Loss)
  • Dry mouth -- up to 20 percent of people
  • Anxiety -- up to 11 percent of people
  • Upset stomach or heartburn -- up to 9 percent of people
  • Throat pain -- up to 7 percent of people.
     
Focalin XR can also cause a temporary slowing of growth in children. This slowing of growth is usually small (less that an inch and less than two pounds), and children usually catch up to within normal limits in time.
 
(Focalin XR Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;