Focalin

Focalin Medication

What Is Focalin?

Focalin^® (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Because the drug is a stimulant and is commonly abused, there are special rules for prescribing it (see Focalin: A Controlled Substance).

(Click Focalin Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

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 the drug produces a calming effect is not known. However, it is known to affect chemicals in the brain.

Focalin contains dexmethylphenidate, which is 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 it. 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 It

Some general considerations for when and how to take Focalin include the following:

The medication comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth twice a day, with at least four hours between doses.
You can take Focalin with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Focalin will not work if you stop taking it.

Dosing Information

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 taking.

As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.

(Click Focalin Dosing for more information.)

Side Effects of Focalin

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Focalin. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If 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 include:

Abdominal pain (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. The drug can also increase the chance of seizures and can make certain heart conditions and mental problems worse.

(Click Focalin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)

You can read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:

Drug Interactions

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

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Focalin?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you (or your child) have:

Heart problems of any kind, including:

Heart disease
Congestive heart failure
Certain irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
A recent history of a heart attack

High blood pressure (hypertension)
Mental illness, including bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder)
Seizures or epilepsy
Tourette syndrome
Glaucoma (a condition of the eye)
A history of drug or alcohol abuse
Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:

Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Focalin and Pregnancy)
Breastfeeding.

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, including information on who should not take the drug.)

What If I Take an Overdose?

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 take too much, seek immediate medical attention.

(Click Focalin Overdose for more information.)

How Should the Medication Be Stored?

Focalin should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.

Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.

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 the medication after morning can cause trouble sleeping at night. Do not take a double dose.

Available Strengths

Focalin tablets are available in three strengths:

Focalin 2.5 mg
Focalin 5 mg
Focalin 10 mg.

Generic Focalin

There are currently both generic and brand-name versions of Focalin licensed for sale. However, it is not possible to buy the drug without a prescription (see Focalin Without a Prescription).

(Click Generic Focalin for more information.)