What exactly is the prescription drug "focalin"?!
Question: I have a friend that told me she was prescribed focalin because she couldnt stay focused with anything. I'm just curious as to what focalin is prescribed for and what are the side effects?
Answers: I have a friend that told me she was prescribed focalin because she couldnt stay focused with anything. I'm just curious as to what focalin is prescribed for and what are the side effects?
Focalin is a mild stimulant to the central nervous system (brain and nerves).
Focalin is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Focalin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide
Focalin 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 Focalin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure);
fast or uneven heart rate;
blurred vision or other visual changes;
unusual behavior, confusion; or
twitching or tics.
Continue using Focalin and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:
sleep problems (insomnia);
loss of appetite;
upset stomach;
feeling restless, anxious, or jittery;
dry mouth, sore throat; or
headache.
Dexmethylphenidate belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. It is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients 6 years of age and older .
Dexmethylphenidate increases attention and decreases restlessness in children and adults who are overactive, cannot concentrate for very long, or are easily distracted and impulsive. This medicine is used as part of a total treatment program that also includes social, educational, and psychological treatment .
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription .
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
Capsule, Extended Release
Tablet
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of dexmethylphenidate in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 6 years of age .
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of dexmethylphenidate in geriatric patients
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Clorgyline
Iproniazid
Isocarboxazid
Lazabemide
Moclobemide
Nialamide
Pargyline
Phenelzine
Procarbazine
Selegiline
Toloxatone
Tranylcypromine
Other Interactions
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Agitation, severe or
Anxiety, severe or
Glaucoma or
Motor tics (repeated muscle movements) or
Tension, severe or
Tourette's syndrome, or family history of