Focalin Medication Guide



Focalin XR is a drug that treats ADHD. There are many benefits to this drug. One will concentrate better and feel better. The medication guide says it may help to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Since I have both of these, that is great!

Any help is beneficial. The question that remains is, is it worth it?

The downside to this drug is that it is a stimulant. Stimulants are very dangerous and can have damaging side effects just like Adderall does. These stimulant drugs are in the same classification as illegal drugs like cocaine. They are also very addictive.

If you read about any of the stimulant drugs, they all have the same side effects. Things you don't want to wish on your worst enemy and here we are taking them and giving them to our children. How dare we!?

It is very important to watch this video about the dangers of stimulant drugs. Your or your child's life may depend on it.

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This is the actual medication guide for this drug with a release date of 4/2007. This information is not to be used in place of the guide provided with the medication as that may be updated.

Medication Guide, Focalin XR

Read the medication guide that comes with Focalin XR before you or your child starts taking it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This medication guide does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your or your child's treatment with it.

How should I store it?

  • Store it in a safe place at room temperature, 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C).
  • Keep it and all medicines out of the reach of children

How Should I Take It?

  • Take Focalin XR exactly as prescribed. Your doctor may adjust the dose until it is right for you or your child.
  • Take it once each day in the morning. It is an extended-release capsule. It releases medicine into your body throughout the day.
  • It can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may slow the time it takes for the medicine to start working.
  • Swallow the capsules whole with water or other liquids. Do not chew, crush, or divide the capsules or the beads in the capsule. If you or your child cannot swallow the capsule, open it and sprinkle the small beads of medicine over a spoonful of applesauce and swallow it right away without chewing.
  • From time to time, your doctor may stop this drug treatment for a while to check ADHD symptoms.
  • Your doctor may do regular checks of the blood, heart, and blood pressure while taking it. Children should have their height and weight checked often while taking it. This drug treatment may be stopped if a problem is found during these check-ups.
  • If you or your child takes too much of it or overdoses, call your doctor or poison control center right away, or get emergency treatment.

Can It Be Taken With Other Medications

Focalin XR. Tell your doctor about all of the medicines that you or your child take including prescription and non prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

This drug and some medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects. Sometimes the doses of other medicines will need to be adjusted while taking this drug.

Your doctor will decide whether it can be taken with other medicines.

Especially tell your doctor if you or your child takes:

  • anti-depression medicines including MAOIs
  • seizure medicines
  • blood thinner medicines
  • blood pressure medicines
  • antacids
  • cold or allergy medicines that contain decongestants

Know the medicines that you or your child takes. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not start any new medicine while taking this drug without talking to your doctor first

General information about Focalin XR

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a medication guide. Do not use it for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give it to other people, even if they have the same condition. It may harm them and it is against the law.

This medication guide summarizes the most important information about it. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about it that was written for healthcare professionals.

What are the ingredients in Focalin XR?

Active Ingredient: dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride

Inactive Ingredients: ammonio methacrylate dopolymer, FD&C Blue #2 (5mg and 15mg strengths), FDA/E172 yellow iron oxide (10mg and 15mg strengths), gelatin, ink Tan SW-8010, methacrylic acid copolymer, polyethylene glycol, sugar spheres, talc, titanium dioxide, and triethyl citrate.

There are things that people with ADHD need to avoid in their diet. Many of these things are artificial ingredients which one of the is dyes or food colorings.

Notice that Just about all drugs, including this one, has artificial ingredients. One of them that jumps right out is FD&C blue #2. Another one that you may not realize is Polyethylene glycol which is an ingredient that is used in antifreeze, or something like that.

Great stuff in these products (I'm being sarcastic).



What is Focalin XR?