Focalin is a brand name for a medication called dexmethylphenidate, which is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It belongs to a class of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants. Focalin works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which are involved in regulating attention and behavior. This medication helps improve focus, concentration, and impulse control in individuals with ADHD. It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations. As with any medication, it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional and according to prescribed instructions.
Important information on Focalin Craving
Do not use Focalin if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as rasagiline, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine, methylene blue injection, isocarboxazid, or linezolid.
You should not use Focalin if you suffer from glaucoma, severe anxiety, agitation, tension, tics, or Tourette’s syndrome.
Focalin may be habit-forming and is often abused. Tell your doctor if you have had prior problems with alcohol or drug abuse.
Stimulants such as Focalin are known to cause stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in individuals with high heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart defects.
Focalin may lead to new or worsening psychosis (unusual thoughts or behavior), especially if a person has a history of depression, bipolar disorder, or mental illness.
Focalin may lead to blood circulation issues that can cause numbness, pain, or discoloration in your toes or fingers.
Call your doctor right away if you have:
- signs of heart problems, which may include, chest pain, feeling light-headed or short of breath
- signs of psychosis, including paranoia, aggression, new behavior problems, seeing or hearing things that are not real
- signs of circulation problems, which manifest in unexplained wounds on your fingers or toes.
Focalin Withdrawal
Focalin withdrawal refers to the symptoms that can occur when someone stops taking Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) after using it regularly for a while. Since Focalin is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat ADHD, sudden cessation or reduction of its use can lead to withdrawal symptoms as the body adjusts to the absence of the drug.
Withdrawal symptoms from Focalin may include:
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Increased appetite
- Depression or mood swings
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Insomnia or changes in sleep patterns
- Headaches
- Cravings for the medication
It’s important for individuals who have been taking Focalin to discuss any plans to stop or reduce their dosage with a healthcare professional. Abruptly stopping Focalin can lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms and may not be safe, especially for individuals who have been taking higher doses or using it for an extended time. A healthcare provider can guide tapering off the medication safely and managing any withdrawal symptoms that may occur.
Overdose Cases Due To Focalin Dependence
Overdose symptoms may include tremors, rapid breathing, confusion, panic, weakness, restlessness, muscle twitches, muscle pain, hallucinations, and dark-colored urine. These symptoms may be followed by tiredness and depression.
Other overdose symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pains, uneven heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizure (convulsions), or coma.
What should I avoid while taking Focalin?
Avoid taking Focalin in the evening because it may cause sleep problems (insomnia). It may cause blurred vision and may impair your judgment or reactions. Be careful if you drive, operate heavy machinery, or do anything that needs you to be alert and have a clear vision.
Focalin compulsion side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Focalin: fever; hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Focalin can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a reasonable rate while using this medicine.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- signs of heart problems – chest pain, trouble breathing, feeling like you might pass out;
- symptoms of psychosis – hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real), new behavior problems, aggression, hostility, paranoia;
- signs of circulation problems – numbness, pain, cold feeling, unexplained wounds, or skin color changes (pale, red, or blue appearance) in your fingers or toes;
- a seizure (convulsions);
- blurred vision or other visual changes; or
- penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer (rare).
Note: Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Common Focalin side effects may include:
- loss of appetite;
- nausea, stomach pain; or
- fever.
Start Today
We understand that addiction can be tough to stop, however, we also know that given the right environment and a strong support system, it can be reversed. Call United Recovery Project today to learn more about our treatment plans such as drug detox, sober living, partial program and alumni program among others.
Our compassionate team is ready to walk with you throughout your recovery journey.
