home > drugs a-z list > focalin (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) drug center > focalin (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) drug - consumer side effects and precautions

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: high fever, uncontrolled muscle movements (e.g., stiffness, twitching, shaking), mental/mood/behavior changes (e.g., agitation, aggression, mood swings, depression, hallucinations, abnormal thoughts/behavior), outbursts of words/sounds, severe sweating, swelling of the ankles/feet, extreme tiredness, blurred vision.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: shortness of breath, easy bleeding/bruising, fainting, sudden vision changes, chest/jaw/left arm pain, severe headache, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, signs of infection (fever, persistent sore throat), seizures, weakness, slurred speech, confusion.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking dexmethylphenidate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to methylphenidate; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe anxiety/tension, heart/blood vessel disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat/rhythm, coronary artery disease, angina, heart failure, cardiomyopathy), problems with heart structure (e.g., valve problems), history of heart attack or stroke, certain eye problem (glaucoma), personal or family history of uncontrolled muscle movements (motor tics, Tourette's syndrome), seizures, certain mental/mood conditions (e.g., agitation, psychosis).

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: family history of sudden death/irregular heartbeat/rhythm, history of alcohol/drug abuse, heart problems (e.g., recent heart attack, heart failure, abnormal heartbeat), high blood pressure, family/personal history of mental/mood disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, depression, psychotic disorder, suicidal thoughts), history of seizure disorders, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

This drug may cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Caution is advised when using this drug in children because it may affect weight, growth rate, and final height. The doctor may recommend temporarily stopping the medication from time to time to reduce this risk. Monitor your child's weight and height and consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.