IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Table of Contents
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (dex-meth-ill-FEN-eh-date)
Focalin Oral 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.
Focalin Oral How To Use
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using dexmethylphenidate and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Take the first dose as soon as you wake up in the morning and the second dose at least 4 hours later, or take as directed by your doctor. Taking this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia).
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may adjust your dose (e.g., weekly) to find the dose that is best for you. The total daily dose is usually 20 milligrams or less. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Methylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate are different medications and do not provide the same amount of medicine. Do not switch between products unless your doctor tells you to.
Use this medication regularly and exactly as prescribed in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental/mood changes) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
Though it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit forming). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. Your doctor may recommend drug holidays when your medication is stopped temporarily so that behavior can be re-evaluated.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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