In this Article

• What is dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)?
• What are the possible side effects of dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)?
• How should I take dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Focalin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Focalin)?
• What should I avoid while taking dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)?
• What other drugs will affect dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Focalin)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, or if it is already evening, skip the missed dose and take the medicine the next morning. Taking this medicine late in the day can cause sleep problems. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Focalin)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, sweating, headache, warmth or tingly feeling, vomiting, agitation, tremors, muscle twitches, confusion, hallucinations, fast or pounding heartbeats, large pupils, and seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)?

Avoid taking dexmethylphenidate in the evening because it may cause sleep problems (insomnia).

Dexmethylphenidate can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What other drugs will affect dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)?

Before taking dexmethylphenidate, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:

• antacids;
• blood pressure medications;
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
• clonidine (Catapres);
• seizure medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), primidone (Mysoline); or
• antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), amoxapine (Ascendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), or trimipramine (Surmontil).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with dexmethylphenidate. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about dexmethylphenidate.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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