dexmethylphenidate

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) has risks of misuse and dependence. Misusing this medication can raise your risk for other serious side effects, such as fast heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, aggressive behavior, and even thoughts of hurting yourself or others. You can also develop physical dependence to Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) if you take it for a long period of time. This raises your risk for withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking the medication. Take Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) exactly as prescribed to you. Don't change the dose or how often you take it without talking to your provider first.

There have been reports of sudden death, stroke, and heart attack in people who took stimulant medications like Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) at usual doses. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) can also raise your blood pressure and heart rate. Tell your provider if you have a history of heart problems before you start Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) to make sure it's safe for you to take. Your provider will check for heart problems before starting treatment with this medication. Contact your provider if you experience unexplained fainting, chest pain with physical activity, or irregular heartbeat while you're taking Focalin (dexmethylphenidate).

Taking a stimulant like Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) can cause mental health problems such as hallucinations (seeing things that aren't really there), abnormal or unclear thinking, and mania. This medication can worsen mood-related problems that you already have. But these changes in mood or behavior can also happen even if you haven't had these problems before. Talk to your provider right away if you have these mood- and behavior-related symptoms while you're taking Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) because you might have to stop taking it.

Although rare, some people taking medications similar to Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) have had prolonged and painful erections. Sometimes, this problem might require surgery to treat. This problem was typically reported after the dose was raised, but has also happened when the medication was stopped. Stop taking Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) and get medical attention as soon as possible if you develop a painful erection that lasts longer than 4 hours.

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) might be linked to poor blood circulation problems, such as Raynaud's phenomenon. People with Raynaud's phenomenon can experience episodes of poor blood flow to the fingers and toes, which can cause the skin to turn pale and to feel cold, numb, or painful. If this happens, symptoms are typically mild. But rarely, it can cause sores or ulcers in more serious cases. Let your healthcare provider know if you notice symptoms of circulation problems, such as bouts of numbness or pain in your fingers or toes. Your provider might need to lower your dose of Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) or ask you to consider a different medication.

In studies, children taking stimulants like Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) daily throughout the year had a temporary slowing of growth. On average, the children in these studies had about 2 cm less growth in height and about 6 pounds less growth in weight over 3 years. Your child's provider will track your child's growth progress closely. Your child's provider might pause or stop treatment if the provider suspects slowed growth. Talk to your child's provider if you have concerns.

Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition that happens when there's too much serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemicals in your brain responsible for your mood. Most people who report having serotonin syndrome while taking Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) are also taking other medications that affect serotonin levels. These medications can include antidepressants, MAOIs, linezolid (Zyvox), and migraine medications called triptans.