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
Precautions
Interactions
Overdose
Images
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- light blue
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- round
- imprint
- 376, S 2.5
- color
- light yellow
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- round
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- 378, S 5
Reviews
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.
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