dexmethylphenidate

Brand name(s):

Focalin, Focalin XR

What is the most important information I should know about dexmethylphenidate?

Do not use dexmethylphenidate if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take dexmethylphenidate before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have severe depression or a history of mental illness, seizures or epilepsy, high blood pressure, a history of drug or alcohol addiction, congestive heart failure, or if you have recently had a heart attack.

Some stimulants have caused sudden death in children and adolescents with serious heart problems or congenital heart defects. Before taking dexmethylphenidate, tell your doctor if you have any type of heart problems.

Long-term use of dexmethylphenidate can slow a child's growth. Tell your doctor if the child using this medication is not growing or gaining weight properly.

Dexmethylphenidate may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Dexmethylphenidate should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Dexmethylphenidate is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What is dexmethylphenidate?

Dexmethylphenidate is a mild stimulant to the central nervous system (brain and nerves).

Dexmethylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Dexmethylphenidate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dexmethylphenidate?

glaucoma;
motor tics (twitches);
a personal or family history of Tourette's syndrome; or
if you have significant tension, agitation, or anxiety.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

severe depression or a history of mental illness;
a history of drug or alcohol addiction;
seizures or epilepsy;
high blood pressure;
heart disease, heart rhythm problems, or congestive heart failure; or
if you have recently had a heart attack.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take dexmethylphenidate.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether dexmethylphenidate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Long-term use of dexmethylphenidate can slow a child's growth. Tell your doctor if the child using this medication is not growing or gaining weight properly.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old. Dexmethylphenidate may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Dexmethylphenidate should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

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