Focalin® (
dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) is a medication often used to help improve symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (
ADHD).
The drug is available by prescription only and comes in three different strengths, including:
- 2.5 mg Focalin tablets
- 5 mg Focalin tablets
- 10 mg Focalin tablets.
If you have never taken
methylphenidate (a medication similar to dexmethylphenidate, the active ingredient of Focalin) before, you should start with Focalin 2.5 mg twice daily.
People who have been on methylphenidate before should start with Focalin at half the total daily dose of methylphenidate taken before. The Focalin dose should be divided into two doses per day. For instance, if you were taking methylphenidate 20 mg total per day, you would start with 5 mg twice daily.
(Click Focalin Dosing for more detailed dosing guidelines for Focalin and for tips on when and how to take this medication.)
