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home > drugs a-z list > focalin xr (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) drug center
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Focalin XR
Information on ADHD Medications »
What are ADHD medications and how do they work?
ADHD medications are drugs used to treat some of the characteristic behaviors associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, including inattention, hyperactivity, and poor impulse control.
Drugs used to treat ADHD target chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. One type of ADHD medication works by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Another type of ADHD drug increases the level of another neurotransmitter, norepinephrine.
ADHD drug treatment should begin only after a specific diagnosis of ADHD has been made. A clinical diagnosis requires that symptoms have persisted for at least six months. There is no blood test or radiological scan that can diagnose ADHD.
Most children with ADHD are diagnosed in preschool or early in elementary school. It's estimated that up to 7%-8% of school-age children in the United States have ADHD. In addition, it may be present ...
Focalin XR
Focalin XR Drug Center
Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a mild central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. Common side effects include trouble sleeping, dizziness, dry mouth, heartburn, nausea, stomach pain, headache, nervousness, loss of appetite, or weight loss.
The recommended starting dose of Focalin XR is 5 mg/day for pediatric patients and 10 mg/day for adult patients. Dosage may be adjusted in 5 mg increments for pediatric patients and in 10 mg increments for adult patients. Focalin XR may interact with MAO inhibitors, antacids, blood pressure medications, blood thinners, clonidine, seizure medications, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications you use. Focalin XR should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if this drug is stopped abruptly.
Our Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases and conditions articles.
What is Prescribing information?
The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.
Focalin XR Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage
Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6 years and older.
The effectiveness of Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) in the treatment of ADHD in patients aged 6 years and older was established in two placebo-controlled studies in patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for ADHD [see Clinical Studies].
A diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; DSM-IV) implies the presence of hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caus...
Read the complete drug monograph for Focalin XR »
What is Focalin XR Prescribing Information?
Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More
What is Patient information?
Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.
Focalin XR Patient Information: Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using dexmethylphenidate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, ringing in your ears, chest pain, numbness, seizure);
- fast or uneven heart rate;
- blurred vision or other visual changes;
- unusual behavior, confusion; or
- twitching or tics.
Less...
Read the complete patient information for Focalin XR »
What is Focalin XR Patient Information?
Possible Side Effects - Images - What Is - How Should I Take It - What If I Miss a Dose - What Should I Avoid and More
What is Consumer information?
A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.
Focalin XR Consumer Information: Uses
Dexmethylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of a total treatment plan including psychological, educational, social, and other treatments.
It is thought to work by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain. This medication helps increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. It may also help improve listening skills, help you to stop fidgeting, and allow you to organize your tasks better.
OTHER USES: This ...
Read the complete consumer information for Focalin XR »
What is Focalin XR Consumer Information?
Warnings - Uses - How to Use - Side Effects - Precautions - Drug Interactions and More
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Additional Focalin XR Information
Focalin XR - User Reviews
Focalin XR User Reviews
Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Focalin XR sorted by most helpful.
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