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What is Focalin
DexmethylphenidateThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryDexmethylphenidate is a medication used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It works by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals, including dopamine and norepinephrine. It is the only approved form of methylphenidate and is believed to be more effective with fewer side effects than other forms.
Ritalinis the brand name
Focalin Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Ritalin
Dexmethylphenidate
1955
400
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Dexmethylphenidate, otherwise known as Ritalin, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder .Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Helps manage Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Effectiveness
How Focalin Affects PatientsDexmethylphenidate is a form of the drug methylphenidate. It is more powerful than the regular mixture and works by blocking the reabsorption of two chemicals (norepinephrine and dopamine) in the brain.
How Focalin works in the bodyMethylphenidate works by blocking dopamine and norepinephrine transporters that allow these chemicals to enter and leave the brain. This action is most strongly seen in the thalamus and striatum, though it may also affect the prefrontal cortex. Imaging of human brains after taking methylphenidate shows that it increases blood flow in the striatum, supplementary motor area, and posterior parietal cortex.
When to interrupt dosage
The proposed dosage of Focalin is dependent upon the diagnosed condition. The measure of dosage fluctuates, depending on the mode of delivery (e.g. Tablet, film coated, extended release or Capsule, extended release) presented in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 35.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL, 18.0 mg, 36.0 mg, 27.0 mg, 54.0 mg, 72.0 mg, 85.0 mg, 55.0 mg, 45.0 mg, 70.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 10.4 mg, 6.0 mg/mL, 5.2 mg, 9.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL, 7.5 mg/mL, 7.8 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Solution - Oral, Solution, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Tablet, Chewable, Extended Release, Suspension, extended release, Tablet, Chewable, Extended Release - Oral, Suspension, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
Warnings
Focalin ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome
Do Not Combine
Tension
Do Not Combine
Agitation
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
diagnosed tourette's syndrome
Do Not Combine
Tic, Motor
Do Not Combine
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Do Not Combine
Open-angle glaucoma
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Dexmethylphenidate may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Focalin Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Azelastine
Major
Dexmethylphenidate may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.
Desflurane
Major
Dexmethylphenidate may increase the hypertensive activities of Desflurane.
Diethyl ether
Major
Dexmethylphenidate may increase the hypertensive activities of Diethyl ether.
Enflurane
Major
Dexmethylphenidate may increase the hypertensive activities of Enflurane.
Ethanol
Major
Dexmethylphenidate may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Ethanol.
Focalin Toxicity & Overdose RiskDexmethylphenidate works the same way in both men and women, but the effects in different races, young children, those with kidney or liver problems, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and the elderly have not been studied much. People with kidney problems usually do not need to adjust their doses. Animal studies showed that pregnant and nursing rats had delayed bone growth in their fetuses and their male offspring had weight gain problems. This drug may come with risks, so it is important to weigh the benefits and risks before taking it. Dexmethylphenidate does not appear to cause cancer, but it was found to be weakly clastogenic in some
Focalin Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Focalin?
Currently, 77 active clinical trials are being conducted to examine the potential of Focalin for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder treatment.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
71 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Focalin Reviews: What are patients saying about Focalin?
5Patient Review
11/2/2015 My son started taking Focalin when he was 14 but we had to stop because of the serious side effects like depression, suicidal thoughts, and agitation. Just 5mg a day was enough to cause all of these problems. Please be very careful before using any medication for ADHD.
5Patient Review
1/3/2020 I've tried a lot of different treatments, and this is by far the best one I've found. It doesn't make me irritable like some of the others did, and I only need to take it once or twice a day.
4.3Patient Review
6/2/20144Patient Review
11/3/2019 After years of undiagnosed ADHD, I finally saw a doctor and started treatment with Adderall. Unfortunately, it didn't go well. The highs and lows were too much for me to handle, and the crash when it wore off was awful. I switched to Focalin and it's been much better.
4Patient Review
12/14/2021 The immediate release Focalin has been more effective for my 6-year-old son. Although it doesn't last as long as other drugs we've tried, like Adderall and Vyvanse, the effects of Focalin are much better in terms of behavior. When those other drugs wore off, my son would act suicidal, abusive, and have tantrums. With Focalin, we finally found a good dose that works for him.
4Patient Review
9/12/2014 Focalin has been a much better fit for my child than other ADHD medications we've tried. However, we have had issues with the pharmacy being unable to keep Focalin in stock. As a result, the doctor changed our prescription to Adderall and then Ritalin; neither of which worked well.
3.7Patient Review
5/19/2015 I tried this for my ADHD and it was a big mistake. It made me more anxious and depressed, not to mention that it didn't actually help me focus at all.
3.3Patient Review
4/12/2015 I've been taking Focalin for over a year now. I find that it really helps me focus when I need to, though I don't take it every day.
2.3Patient Review
4/25/2022 Made me very anxious, and especially with the shorter release pill I felt like I was having a heart attack. I was super jumpy and felt a feeling of impending doom. Didn’t really help with the ADHD issues.
2.3Patient Review
2/25/2015 I've found this to be an effective medication for treating ADD, both in myself and my son. However, it's important to note that you shouldn't miss a pill or only use it as needed; regularity is key to seeing results.
2Patient Review
8/19/2015 I experienced depression and anxiety while taking this medication, which was very distressing. After reading other reviews, it seems like I'm not the only one who had this problem. Overall, I would not recommend this drug.
1.3Patient Review
5/27/2014Patient Q&A Section about focalin
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is Focalin a Ritalin?
"Dexmethylphenidate is a man-made stimulant drug that is similar to methylphenidate, which is marketed under various brand names."
Answered by AI
How does Focalin make you feel?
"When someone uses Focalin, they may feel a sense of euphoria and self-confidence. They may also feel more energetic, sociable, and able to concentrate. Focalin can be dangerous at high doses, so it is important to use it only as prescribed by a doctor."
Answered by AI
Is Adderall and Focalin the same?
"The main difference between Adderall and Focalin is that Adderall contains four amphetamine salts, while Focalin only contains one. Both drugs work similarly by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine."
Answered by AI
What is Focalin prescribed for?
"This medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - ADHD. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Dexmethylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants."
Answered by AI