What is Focalin Xr: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 12, 2021  •  Published Dec. 30, 2020

Focalin Xr overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Focalin XR, Focalin, Focalin XR

Generic Names:

  • Dexmethylphenidate Hcl Er

Uses:

  • Treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • CNS Stimulant

Forms:

  • Long Acting Capsule, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Focalin Xr come in

  • Long Acting Capsule

  • Tablet

What are common Focalin Xr doses?

  • Capsule 5mg

  • Capsule 10mg

  • Capsule 15mg

  • Capsule 20mg

  • Capsule 25mg

  • Capsule 30mg

  • Capsule 35mg

  • Capsule 40mg

Common Focalin Xr prescriptions

  • Focalin XR
    90 capsules extended release 24 hour bottle

  • Focalin XR
    10mg capsule

  • Focalin XR
    15mg capsule

  • Focalin XR
    20mg capsule

  • Focalin XR
    25mg capsule

  • Focalin XR
    30mg capsule

  • Focalin XR
    35mg capsule

  • Focalin XR
    40mg capsule

  • Focalin XR
    5mg capsule

How to take Focalin Xr

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Extended-release capsule: Take the capsule in the morning. If you take it in the afternoon or evening, you may have trouble falling asleep at night.Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.If you cannot swallow the capsule, carefully open it and sprinkle the beads over a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not store it. Do not crush or chew the beads.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Mixed unused medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, then place it in a sealable bag, empty can, or other container before throwing into the trash. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medicine you do not use.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Mixed unused medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, then place it in a sealable bag, empty can, or other container before throwing into the trash. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medicine you do not use.

  • Extended-release capsule: Take the capsule in the morning. If you take it in the afternoon or evening, you may have trouble falling asleep at night.Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.If you cannot swallow the capsule, carefully open it and sprinkle the beads over a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not store it. Do not crush or chew the beads.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Focalin Xr contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to dexmethylphenidate.

Focalin Xr warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, circulation problems, or a history of a heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of depression, bipolar disorder, suicide, mental illness, or drug or alcohol abuse.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Serious heart or blood vessel problems, including heart attack and stroke (especially in people who already have heart problems)High blood pressureChanges in mood or behavior or unusual thoughtsPainful or prolonged erection of the penisPeripheral vasculopathy (a blood circulation problem), including Raynaud's phenomenonSlow growth and weight loss in children

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine on the day you have your surgery.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Severe headache, trouble seeing, blurred vision

  • Seizures

  • Sores, coldness, numbness, or color changes on your fingers or toes

  • Uncontrollable muscle movements or twitching

Focalin Xr interactions

  • Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or have trouble seeing. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Some medicines can affect how dexmethylphenidate works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Blood pressure medicineHalogenated anesthetic medicineMedicine to treat depression

Focalin Xr side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Uncontrollable muscle movements or twitching

  • Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

  • Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, or fainting

  • Extreme energy, mood or mental changes, confusion, agitation, restlessness, trouble sleeping, unusual thoughts or behavior

  • Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Slow growth or weight loss in children

  • Sores, coldness, numbness, or color changes on your fingers or toes

  • Painful, prolonged erection of the penis, which lasts for more than 4 hours

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Loss of appetite

  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or upset

  • Dry mouth