Warning: guide is intended to supplement, not substitute for, expertise of your pharmacist. it should not be construed to indicate that use of drug is safe or effective for you. Consult your physician before using this drug.

Dexmethylphenidate - oral

(dex-meth-ill-fen-eh-date)

common brand names: Focalin

Warning: Dexmethylphenidate should be used cautiously by people who may be emotionally unstable or have history about alcohol or drug abuse. Such patients may be more likely to increase their doses of this tablet unnecessarily. Abuse of it drug may lead to abnormal behavior. If it medication must be stopped, it should be stopped gradually over time. do not suddenly stop taking this medication because it can cause severe depression or hidden hyperactivity to occur. in some people, long-term monitoring may be required after this medication is stopped.

Focalin Usage: Dexmethylphenidate is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Its chemically related to methylphenidate; another type of stimulant tablet used to treat ADHD.

Focalin canbe used also for: this medication may also be used for sleep disorders (e.g., narcolepsy) and mild depression.

How to use Focalin: Take it medication by mouth usually twice daily either with or with-out food, or as directed by your pharmacist. Take 1st dose of this drug in morning & the second dose in least 4 hours later. Taking this medication later in day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia). the dosage is based on your medical condition & response to therapy. your physician may adjust youre dose frequently (e.g., weekly) to find the dose that is best for you. Use it med exactly as prescribed. do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use this for longer period of time then prescribed because this drug canbe habit forming and increase your risk of side effects. When used for an extended period, it med may not work as well and may require different dosing. talk with your doctor if this drug stops working well. your doctor may recommend 'drug holidays' where your med is stopped temporarily & behavior is re-evaluated.

Focalin side effects: Trouble sleeping, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, dizziness, headache, nervousness, loss of appetite, dry mouth, or weight loss may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify you're physician. Promptly tell you're pharmacist if any about these side effects occur: change in sexual ability or desire. Tell some your pharmacist immediately if any about these serious side effects occur: stomach pain, fever, unusual weakness or tiredness, mental/mood changes. Tell your pharmacist immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusually fast heartbeat, blurred vision, uncontrolled muscle movements (e.g., rigidity, tics, tremors), severe sweating, fever, chest pain, seizures. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact some your physician or pharmacist.

Focalin Precautions: this pill isnt recommended since use if you have following medical conditions: heart or blood vessel- related diseases (e.g., arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease), severe HBP, over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism), eye problems (e.g., glaucoma), emotional instability (e.g., marked anxiety, tension & agitation), personal or family history of uncontrolled muscle movements (e.g., tics, Tourette's syndrome), history of medication abuse. Tell your pharmacist youre medical history, especially of: seizure disorders, other mental/mood problems (e.g., depression, psychological disorders), growth problems, HBP, any allergies. this may make you dizzy & can affect your alertness. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. it medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss risks & benefits with youre pharmacist. it is not known if it medication passes into breast milk. Consult youre doctor before breast-feeding.

Focalin drug interactions: Certain meds taken with it product could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or after treatment with this drug. Consult your healthcare professional or pharmacist for additional information. Before using it medication, tell your doctor of every prescription and nonprescription med you may use, especially: 'blood thinners' (e.g., warfarin), antidepressants (e.g., tricyclics including amitriptyline, nortriptyline & SSRI's including fluoxetine), blood pressure medicine (e.g., beta blockers, clonidine, guanethidine), anti-seizure medicine (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), other stimulant drugs (e.g., amphetamines). money labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they can contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask you're pharmacist of the safe use about these products. Avoid drinking big amounts of beverages containing caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, colas). Caffeine can increase the side effects of it drug. do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or healthcare professional approval.

Focalin Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact youre local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: vomiting, severe mental/mood changes, confusion, severe or persistent headache, sweating, severe restlessness, quick breathing, dilated eyes/pupils, seizures.

Focalin special notes: don't share it medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood pressure, blood counts) may be performed to monitor your progress. this is recommended that you attend total treatment program that includes educational, psychological, and social/behavioral treatments.

If you missed Focalin dose: If you miss dose, use it as soon as you remember in the morning hours. If It's later in day or near the time of the following dose, skip the missed dose & resume your usual dosing schedule. do not double dose to catch up.

Focalin Storage: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 & 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted.

Active Ingredients : Dexmethylphenidate