Focalin Side Effects

Although most people tolerate Focalin well, there are some potential side effects with the medication. A few common Focalin side effects include abdominal pain (or stomach pain), nausea, and a fever. There are also some side effects of Focalin that you should report to your healthcare provider, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and hallucinations. Among the uncommon side effects of Focalin are insomnia, hair loss, and dizziness.

 

Focalin Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Focalin® (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride). However, not everyone who takes Focalin will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Focalin well. When people do develop Focalin 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 side effects discussed below are not a complete list of the side effects reported with Focalin. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Focalin side effects with you.)
 

Common Focalin Side Effects

Focalin 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 side effects include:
 
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain) -- in up to 15 percent of people
  • Nausea -- in up to 9 percent of people
  • Loss of appetite -- in up to 6 percent of people (see Focalin and Weight Loss)
  • Fever -- in up to 5 percent of people.
     
Focalin can also cause a temporary slowing of growth in children. This slowing of growth is usually small (less that one inch and less than two pounds); and, in time, children usually catch up to within normal limits.
 
(Focalin 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;