Focalin and Focalin XR ( Dexmethylphenidate HCI )
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is a mild stimulant to the central nervous system. This medication is a modified version of Ritalin (a common medication for attention disorders) and contains only the most active component.
Focalin is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Symptoms of attention deficit disorders include continual problems with moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional changeability, and impulsiveness. Focalin should be given as part of a total treatment program that includes psychological, educational, and social measures.
Focalin may also be used for other purposes not listed here.
Important information about Focalin
Do not use Focalin if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take Focalin before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have severe depression or a history of mental illness, seizures or epilepsy, high blood pressure, a history of drug or alcohol addiction, congestive heart failure, or if you have recently had a heart attack.
Some stimulants have caused sudden death in children and adolescents with serious heart problems or congenital heart defects. Before taking Focalin, tell your doctor if you have any type of heart problems.
Long-term use of Focalin can slow a child's growth. Tell your doctor if the child using this medication is not growing or gaining weight properly.
Focalin may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Focalin should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Focalin is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
