DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE - ORAL

DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (dex-METH-il-FEN-i-date)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Focalin

GENERIC NAME(S): dexmethylphenidate HCl

Uses

USES: 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 stimulants. It can help increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. It may also help you to organize your tasks and improve listening skills.


How to use DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking dexmethylphenidate and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day with or without food. 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 treatment. Your doctor may direct you to gradually increase or decrease your dose. Also, if you have used it for a long time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without consulting your doctor. The total daily dose is usually 20 milligrams or less. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions. 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. Take this medication regularly 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 right away. When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Trouble sleeping, nervousness, nausea, stomach pain, headache, loss of appetite, weight loss, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of blood flow problems in the fingers or toes (such as coldness, numbness, pain, or skin color changes), unusual wounds on the fingers or toes, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood/behavior changes (such as agitation, aggression, mood swings, abnormal thoughts, thoughts of suicide), uncontrolled muscle movements (such as twitching, shaking), sudden outbursts of words/sounds that are hard to control, vision changes (such as blurred vision). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fainting, seizure, symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating), symptoms of a stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, sudden vision changes, confusion). Rarely, males (including young boys and teens) may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours while using this medication. Caregivers/parents should also be watchful for this serious side effect in boys. If a painful or prolonged erection occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: See also Warning section. Before taking dexmethylphenidate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to methylphenidate; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood pressure, blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's disease), glaucoma, heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure, previous heart attack, problems with heart structure), family history of heart problems (such as sudden cardiac death, irregular heartbeat), mental/mood conditions (especially anxiety, tension, agitation), personal/family history of mental/mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, suicidal thoughts), personal/family history of uncontrolled muscle movements (motor tics, Tourette's syndrome), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), seizure disorder. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If used for a long time, this drug may affect a child's growth rate, weight, and final adult height. To reduce the risk, the doctor may recommend briefly stopping the medication from time to time. Check the child's weight and height regularly, and consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially trouble sleeping, weight loss, or chest pain. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication. Dexmethylphenidate is very similar to methylphenidate. Do not use medications containing methylphenidate while using dexmethylphenidate. This medication may interfere with certain medical/laboratory tests (including brain scan for Parkinson's disease), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: vomiting, agitation, confusion, sweating, flushing, muscle twitching, hallucinations, seizures, loss of consciousness.

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Faq for DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE - ORAL

Dexmethylphenidate is an oral medication commonly known by the brand name Focalin. It belongs to a class of drugs called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants.

Dexmethylphenidate is primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It helps to improve attention span, decrease impulsiveness, and control behavioral problems in individuals with ADHD.

Dexmethylphenidate works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. This helps to improve focus, attention, and impulse control in individuals with ADHD.

Common side effects of Dexmethylphenidate may include decreased appetite, stomach pain, nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, and increased blood pressure. It is important to consult a doctor if any severe or persistent side effects occur.

Dexmethylphenidate is usually taken once or twice daily with or without food as directed by your doctor. It is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and instructions carefully. Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release capsules, and swallow them whole.

Dexmethylphenidate is a stimulant medication and has the potential for abuse and dependence, especially if misused or taken in higher doses than prescribed. Therefore, it is important to take Dexmethylphenidate exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Dexmethylphenidate should be used with caution in individuals with a history of heart problems, high blood pressure, glaucoma, seizures, or a known hypersensitivity to stimulant medications. It may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to inform the doctor about all current medications being taken.

If a dose of Dexmethylphenidate is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped. Double dosing or taking extra doses should be avoided.

The safety of Dexmethylphenidate during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not yet established. It is important to consult with a doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.


Warning

WARNING: Misuse or abuse of dexmethylphenidate may result in serious (possibly fatal) heart and blood pressure problems. This medication can be habit-forming and should be used cautiously by people who have mental/mood disorders or a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a personal or family history of a substance use disorder. Do not increase your dose, use it more often, or use it for a longer time or in a different way than prescribed. Doing so may result in a decrease in the effect of this drug, drug dependence, or abnormal thoughts/behavior. Your doctor may monitor you for a while after the medication is stopped, especially if you have taken this drug for a long time or in high doses. (See also How to Use section.)


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.