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Focalin

What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD refers to a chronic biobehavioral disorder that initially manifests in childhood and is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention. Not all of those affected by ADHD manifest all three behavioral categories. These symptoms can lead to difficulty in academic, emotional, and social functioning. The diagnosis is established by satisfying specific criteria and may be associated with other neurological, significant behavioral, and/or developmental/learning disabilities. Therapy may consider the use of medication, behavioral therapy, and adjustments in day-to-day lifestyle activities.

Studies in the United States indicates approximately 8%-10% of children satisfy diagnostic criteria for ADHD. ADHD is, therefore, one of the most common disorders of childhood. ADHD occurs two to four times more commonly in boys than girls (male to female ratio 4:1 for the predominant...

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Focalin Consumer (continued)

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before, during, or after treatment with this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.

If you are currently taking any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medication.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), antidepressants (e.g., tricyclics such as amitriptyline/nortriptyline, SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, venlafaxine), medication for high blood pressure (e.g., beta blockers, guanethidine), medications that increase blood pressure/decongestants (e.g., epinephrine, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine), anti-seizure medicine (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), other stimulant medications (e.g., amphetamines).

Also report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease seizure threshold) when combined with dexmethylphenidate such as bupropion, isoniazid (INH), phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., imipramine) among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

Check the labels on all your medicines/herbal products (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, ephedra/ma huang). Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products.

Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, colas). Caffeine can increase the side effects of this medication.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe mental/mood changes, confusion, severe/persistent headache, irregular/pounding heartbeat, severe restlessness, fast breathing, flushing, sweating, and widened pupils.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. It is against the law.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood pressure, blood counts) may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember in the morning hours. If it is later in the day or near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised May 2010 Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

Focalin - User Reviews

Focalin User Reviews

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