Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride, CenterWatch, Inc.:"Focalin, a refined formulation of Ritalin (d,l-methylphenidate HCl), has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Whereas Ritalin contains both the d and l isomers of methylphenidate, Focalin contains only the more active d-isomer. Isomers are compounds that contain the same number and type of atoms, but have different structures. ADHD interferes with an individual's ability to regulate activity level and behavior, and sustain focus on tasks. Symptoms typically arise in early childhood, and some may persist into adulthood. Treatment options for individuals with ADHD include medication, such as psychostimulants and some antidepressants and antihypertensives, as well as behavior therapy."
http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/drugs/dru734.html

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Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride, Drugs.com:"What is the most important information I should know about dexmethylphenidate? Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Dexmethylphenidate may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision or impair the ability to concentrate. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or impaired concentration, avoid these activities. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse or dependence. Chronic, abusive use of dexmethylphenidate can lead to dependence, psychological problems, and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation of the medication."
http://www.drugs.com/xq/cfm/pageID_0/htm_d04777A1.htm/bn_dexmethylphenidate/qx/index.htm

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Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride, DrugDigest:"Dexmethylphenidate is a stimulant that helps the patient maintain attention, decrease hyperactivity, and decrease impulsiveness. It should work works in the brain to increase the levels of certain chemicals (known as neurotransmitters) that are thought to be low in patients with ADHD."
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/MOA/0,8635,551130|Focalin,00.html

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Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride, HealthSquare:"Focalin is a mild central nervous system stimulant used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. The drug is a modified version of Ritalin (a common medication for attention disorders) and contains only the most active component of Ritalin. Because of this special formulation, the usual dose of Focalin is half the amount of the Ritalin dose."
http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/foc1610.htm

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Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride, Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide:"INTERACTIONS: Drug-drug. Antihypertensives: May decrease antihypertensive effects. Use cautiously and monitor patient’s blood pressure. Coumarin anticoagulants, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, tricyclic antidepressants, some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: May increase levels of these drugs. Monitor patient closely and decrease dose of these drugs, as needed. MAO inhibitors: Risk of severe hypertensive crisis. Avoid using within 14 days of MAO inhibitor administration."
http://www.nursingdrugguide.com/dud_dexmethylphenidatehydrochloride.htm

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Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride, RxList:"How should I take dexmethylphenidate? Take dexmethylphenidate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you. Dexmethylphenidate is usually taken twice a day. The second dose of dexmethylphenidate should be taken at least 4 hours after the first dose. Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Dexmethylphenidate can be taken with or without food. Store dexmethylphenidate at room temperature away from moisture and heat."
http://www.rxlist.com/frame/display.cgi?drug=Focalin

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Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride, TALK ABOUT SLEEP, Inc.:"Overall, there was a low incidence of adverse events with the majority being of mild severity. In double-blind, placebo-controlled trials there were no discontinuations due to adverse events. In long-term extension studies, only 7 %, or 50 of 684, of children and adults treated with Focalin experienced an adverse event that resulted in discontinuation. Like most drugs approved for the treatment of ADHD, and like Ritalin, Focalin is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to the drug or to Ritalin, in patients with glaucoma, and in patients with motor tics or with a family history or diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome. It is also contraindicated during treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors and also within a minimum of 14 days following discontinuation of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (hypertensive crises may result). In addition, like most drugs approved for the treatment of ADHD, Focalin is a schedule II drug."
http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/news/N_focalin.htm

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Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride, Yahoo! Inc.:"Most important fact about this drug. Excessive doses of Focalin over a long period of time can produce addiction. It is also possible to develop tolerance to the drug, so that larger doses are needed to produce the original effect. Because of these dangers, be sure to check with your doctor before making any change in dosage; and withdraw the drug only under your doctor's supervision. How should you take this medication? Focalin can be taken with or without food. The drug is usually taken twice a day, at least 4 hours apart, but your doctor may adjust the schedule depending on your child's response. --If you miss a dose...Give it to the child as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Never give 2 doses at the same time. --Storage instructions...Keep out of reach of children. Store below 86 degrees Fahrenheit in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. Do not store in hot, damp, or humid places."
http://health.yahoo.com/health/drugs/foc1610/0.html

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