Their inclusion does not guarantee they will be prescribed to any individual, as treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of healthcare providers. Healthcare providers may prescribe other medications, including non-stimulant options, or recommend non-pharmacological treatment based on the patient’s unique health circumstances and needs. Read more
Focalin has a
Highlights
- Focalin is commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults and children, helping improve focus, attention, and impulse control.
- Common side effects of Focalin include loss of appetite, dry mouth, insomnia, headaches, and increased heart rate, most of which improve over time.
- Focalin can interact with other medications, such as MAOIs and other antidepressants, so it’s important to review all of the medications you take with your doctor.
- Stopping Focalin suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms like mood changes, tiredness, vivid dreams, and increased appetite.
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children ages 6 and older.
Focalin
How Does Focalin Make You Feel?
While taking Focalin, many people with ADHD feel more focused, alert, and able to stay on task without getting distracted as easily. It can also help reduce impulsive behaviors. Many people also feel calmer and less restless, as the medication helps manage hyperactivity. However, side effects may also occur.
Most Common Side Effects
Some of the most common side effects of Focalin include:
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Migraine
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Emotional and Behavioral Side Effects
Focalin may also cause some emotional effects, especially when starting the medication or changing the dose. While Focalin is effective for treating ADHD symptoms, like other stimulant medications, it can sometimes affect mood or behavior. Some people experience nervousness, anxiety, or irritability. Changes in sleep, such as trouble falling or staying asleep (insomnia), can also occur, particularly if the medication is taken later in the day.
Less commonly, Focalin may cause mood swings, feelings of depression, or social withdrawal. Rare but serious psychiatric effects, such as hallucinations, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts can occur, particularly in those with a history of mental health conditions. If unwanted side effects occur, adjusting the dose or trying a different medication can often help.
If you’re experiencing suicidal or self-harming thoughts and require immediate assistance, contact a crisis hotline, such as 911, 988 suicide & crisis lifeline (toll-free), or Samaritans (116-123 or via chat).
How Long Do Focalin Side Effects Last
Most side effects of Focalin are temporary and improve within a few days to a few weeks after you start taking it. As your body gets used to the medication, the symptoms will start to decrease and go away. Talk to your healthcare provider if side effects don’t improve or start to get worse.
In addition, some side effects of Focalin may happen as the medication starts to wear off. These side effects are known as withdrawal symptoms. Some people notice changes in mood, like feeling more emotional, a little down, or feeling more tired than usual. Sleep can also be affected, such as trouble falling asleep or vivid dreams. Some people also report feeling hungrier and notice some clumsiness or trouble with coordination. But for most people, these effects are mild and temporary.
Serious Side Effects
Serious risks associated with Focalin include:
- An increased risk of sudden death, stroke, or heart attack in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, high blood pressure, or structural cardiac abnormalities.
- New or worsening psychiatric symptoms, such as psychosis, aggression, or manic symptoms, particularly in those with a history of bipolar disorder or other mental conditions.
- A serious condition called priapism (a prolonged and painful erection) has been reported in both young and adult patients.
- Circulation problems in the fingers and toes, known as peripheral vasculopathy or Raynaud’s phenomenon. Symptoms like numbness, pain, or color changes are usually mild but should be reported to a doctor, as rare cases of skin sores or tissue damage have been reported.
Long-term Side Effects of Focalin
Like other stimulant medications, Focalin has a boxed warning because of its potential for abuse and misuse. It is also habit-forming, which means that long-term use can cause physical drug dependence due to its effects on the brain’s reward system. It is important to monitor the signs of misuse and addiction and contact a healthcare professional for a consultation if there are any concerns.
Variables That Affect Side Effects
Every person will experience side effects differently. Certain factors can increase the risk of side effects or affect their type, severity, and duration. These include:
- Dosage: Taking a higher dose may increase the risk of side effects like insomnia, appetite loss, jitteriness, or anxiety.
- Age:
Older adults[4] and young children may be more sensitive to stimulants and more likely to experience side effects of Focalin. - Body weight and metabolism: These can influence how slowly or quickly your body breaks down the medication. For example, a faster metabolism may clear the medication quicker, which means it may not work as long, while a slower metabolism may increase the risk of side effects.
- Overall health: If you have certain conditions, Focalin can increase the risk or intensity of side effects. People with heart conditions may be at higher risk for increased heart rate or blood pressure, while those with anxiety disorders might find stimulants worsen their anxiety or cause restlessness.
- Other medications: Drug interactions with other medications can affect how well Focalin works or may increase the chance of side effects.
- Genetics: Some people inherit genetic traits that cause them to naturally process medications faster or slower, which can affect both how well Focalin works and how well they tolerate the medication.
Focalin Drug Interactions
Focalin has some important drug interactions to avoid. For example, MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, can increase the effects of CNS stimulants like Focalin. When MAOIs are combined with CNS stimulants, they can cause very high blood pressure (also called hypertensive crisis), heart attack, and stroke. Therefore, Focalin should not be used in conjunction with MAOIs or within 14 days of discontinuing an MAOI.
In addition, Focalin should be used with caution in people taking serotonergic medications such as antidepressants, lithium, fentanyl, and St. John’s wort. When Focalin is combined with serotonergic medications, the risk of
Because stimulants can cause an increase in blood pressure, the effects of blood pressure medications may be reduced. Therefore, if you are taking a blood pressure medication, mention it to your healthcare provider when choosing the right ADHD treatment to avoid interactions and unwanted effects.
Warnings and Risk of Overdose
Focalin has a high potential for abuse and dependence, which can lead to addiction and is associated with a risk of overdose and death, especially when taken in higher-than-prescribed doses.
Is Focalin the Strongest ADHD Medication?
Focalin is considered twice as strong as medications like Ritalin and Concerta because it contains only the active part (d-enantiomer) of methylphenidate. The concept underneath Focalin is that the dexmethylphenidate HCl isomer is more effective than the methylphenidate in medicines, such as Ritalin, while producing fewer side effects. Because of this distinction, Focalin is frequently prescribed at half the dose of Ritalin or Concerta while providing equivalent therapeutic benefits.
Medications should be taken exactly as prescribed. Never change the dosage without consulting your healthcare provider first.
Comparisons and Alternatives
Focalin works similarly to other ADHD stimulant medications, such as Adderall. The choice between Focalin and other stimulants often depends on individual response, side effects, and how long the medication needs to work. All these medications have a
Focalin vs Other Stimulant Medications: A Brief Comparison
Medication | Duration | Side Effects | Key Differences |
Shorter (IR), longer (XR) | Headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, dry mouth | More potent, may be effective and cause less side effects | |
Ritalin / Concerta / Daytrana (methylphenidate) | Short (Ritalin), long (Concerta) | Similar to Focalin | Also available as a |
Adderall / Adderall XR (amphetamine salts) | Longer duration, especially XR | Similar to Focalin; possibly higher risk of | Also approved for narcolepsy |
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) | Long-acting (once daily) | Similar to Focalin; unique risk of unpleasant taste | Lower abuse potential |
Non-stimulant Alternatives
Stimulants are typically the first-line ADHD medications due to their high efficacy and rapid symptom relief. However, Focalin carries a high risk of side effects and drug abuse.
Non-stimulant alternatives work more gradually, have a lower risk of misuse, and are often chosen when stimulants are not effective or cause intolerable side effects. Non-stimulants may also be used in
|
Medication |
Typical onset |
Side effects |
Key differences |
|
Strattera (atomoxetine) |
2-4 weeks |
GI upset, decreased appetite, headache, fatigue, possible suicidal thoughts |
Most studied non-stimulant; once-daily dosing, suitable for people who also have |
|
|
1-2 weeks |
Sleepiness, fatigue, low blood pressure, headache, abdominal pain |
Can be used alone or with stimulants |
|
|
1-2 weeks |
Drowsiness, dry mouth, low blood pressure, irritability |
For ADHD treatment, only approved for use in children; useful for evening symptom control17 |
|
Qelbree (viloxazine ER) |
1-2 weeks |
Sleepiness, decreased appetite, headache, |
Newest FDA-approved non-stimulant for ADHD |
Preventing Focalin Side Effects
While side effects from Focalin are common, especially when starting treatment, many of them can be reduced or even prevented with a few adjustments.
- Taking your medication with a meal may help reduce nausea or headaches.
- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated can help with dry mouth. Lozenges can also be helpful to keep your mouth moist.
- Try to limit the use of caffeine, which is often found in many colas, teas, and coffees. Focalin can cause nervousness, shakiness, and a fast heartbeat, and caffeine can make these side effects worse.
- Take your medication early in the day to be sure it wears off before bed. Taking Focalin too late in the day can cause you to have trouble falling asleep.
- Tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements that you take to help prevent side effects caused by drug interactions.
- Take your medication exactly as prescribed by your medical provider.
Often, adjusting the dose or switching to a different form of the medication can also help reduce or get rid of side effects. If you continue to experience side effects or they become a problem, talk with your healthcare provider.
Wrap Up
Focalin is an effective ADHD medication that helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control. However, it is important to be aware of side effects and remember that there is a risk of abuse with Focalin (particularly if the individual has a history of substance abuse). Before using, discuss Focalin’s side effects and interactions with your doctor.
Still have any questions? Get in touch with medical providers at MEDvidi to get personalized ADHD treatment online.
