Focalin XR
® (
dexmethylphenidate extended-release) is a prescription medication that is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (
ADHD). Focalin XR capsules are specially designed to release half of the medication immediately, and to release the second half of the medication after approximately four hours. As a result, the medication can be taken just once a day.
It is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
Focalin XR is a stimulant; but it has effects that are the opposite of what would be expected of a stimulant. While stimulants like caffeine can cause hyperactivity, Focalin XR has a calming effect. Although the exact way in which Focalin XR produces a calming effect is not known, it is known that it affects chemicals in the brain.
Focalin XR contains
dexmethylphenidate, which is very similar to
methylphenidate (the active component of
Concerta®,
Daytrana®,
Ritalin®, Metadate
®, and
Methylin®). In fact, methylphenidate is actually a mixture of dexmethylphenidate and levomethylphenidate. Of these two components, dexmethylphenidate is the more active one.
Focalin XR capsules contain tiny beads that contain the medication. Half of these are immediate-release beads, and the other half are delayed-release beads, which do not dissolve until they reach the small intestine (about four hours later). This allows Focalin XR to be taken just once a day (instead of twice a day).
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