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Focalin for Depression Treatment

Focalin is also sometimes used to treat depression. Although it is not approved for this use, Focalin can help to rapidly improve the symptoms of depression. Treating depression is considered an "off-label use" of Focalin. An off-label use means that a prescription medicine is used to treat a disease or condition other than what the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat. Although the FDA regulates how a medication can be advertised or promoted by the manufacturer, these regulations do not restrict a doctor's ability to prescribe the medication for different conditions, in different doses, or for different lengths of time. The practice of prescribing medication for periods of time or for conditions that are not FDA-approved is known as an "off-label" use. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine for an off-label use when he or she feels that the medicine is appropriate for your situation.

 

While such use often occurs in the treatment of many conditions, you should feel comfortable about asking your doctor if he or she is using a medication or combination of medications in a manner that is not approved by the FDA.

 

Focalin and Depression: A Summary

Even though Focalin is sometimes used to treat depression, depression has been reported as a possible side effect of Focalin. Therefore, for people taking Focalin (or for their family members who take the medicine), it is important to know the signs and symptoms of depression. If you notice any of these symptoms in either you or your child, or something "just does not seem right," you should talk with your healthcare provider right away. He or she will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend treatment options.