Focalin

The prescription drug Focalin -- which is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) -- is a stimulant that has a calming effect. In previous clinical studies, children and teenagers with ADHD who took Focalin had significant improvement in their ADHD symptoms, compared to children and teenagers with ADHD who did not take the medicine. Focalin comes in a tablet form that should be taken by mouth twice a day.

 

What Is Focalin?

Focalin® (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Because Focalin is a stimulant and is commonly abused, there are special rules for prescribing Focalin (see Focalin: A Controlled Substance).
 
(Click Focalin Uses for more information on uses of Focalin, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Focalin?

Focalin is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Focalin Work?

Although Focalin is a stimulant, it has effects that are the opposite of what would be expected of a stimulant. Stimulants like caffeine can cause hyperactivity; but Focalin has a calming effect. The exact way in which Focalin produces a calming effect is not known. However, it is known that Focalin affects chemicals in the brain.
 
Focalin 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.
 

Effects of Focalin

In previous clinical studies, children and teenagers with ADHD who took Focalin had significant improvement in their ADHD symptoms, compared to children and teenagers with ADHD who did not take Focalin. The improvements were reported by teachers who were asked to rate the symptoms of ADHD in the children and teenagers.
 

When and How to Take Focalin

Some general considerations for when and how to take Focalin include:
 
  • Focalin comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth twice a day, with at least four hours between doses.
     
  • It does not matter if you take Focalin with or without food. If Focalin bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • For Focalin to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Focalin will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing With Focalin

The dose of Focalin your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other ADHD medications you have tried
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Focalin Dosing for more information about dosing for Focalin.)
 

Side Effects of Focalin

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Focalin. However, not everyone who takes Focalin will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Focalin well. When Focalin side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
The most common side effects of Focalin include:
 
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
  • Fever
  • Decreased appetite
  • Nausea.
     
Focalin can cause high blood pressure. Usually, this increase in blood pressure is temporary and does not cause any problems. Focalin can also increase the chance of seizures and can make certain heart conditions and mental problems worse.
 
(Click Focalin Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of Focalin, including serious side effects to look out for. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to:
 

Drug Interactions With Focalin

Focalin can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
 
(Click Focalin Drug Interactions for more information about Focalin and other medicines.)
 

Focalin: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Focalin if you (or your child) have:
 
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Focalin Warnings and Precautions for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Focalin.)
 

Overdose With Focalin

People who take too much Focalin may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Hyperactivity (trouble sitting still)
  • Fast breathing
  • Confusion
  • Fever
  • Muscle pains
  • Shakiness
  • Aggressiveness
  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there).
     
If you happen to overdose on Focalin, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Focalin Overdose for more information.)
 

Focalin Storage Methods

Focalin should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. Focalin tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep Focalin and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

Focalin: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Focalin as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember in the morning. If you do not remember until the afternoon, skip the dose; taking Focalin after morning can cause trouble sleeping at night. Do not take a double dose of Focalin.
 

Focalin: Strengths

Focalin tablets are available in three strengths:
 
  • Focalin 2.5 mg tablets
  • Focalin 5 mg tablets
  • Focalin 10 mg tablets.
     

Focalin: Generic

There are currently both generic and brand-name Focalin licensed for sale. However, it is not possible to buy Focalin without a prescription (see Focalin Without a Prescription).
 
(Click Generic Focalin for more information.) 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;