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Focalin |
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What is Focalin and why is it prescribed? 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 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. Focalin should be given as part of a total treatment program that includes psychological, educational, and social measures. 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. Withdraw the drug only under your doctor's supervision. How should you take Focalin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Focalin. 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 two doses at the same time. Keep Focalin 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. Are there any Focalin side effects? Focalin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Focalin side effects may include fever, loss of appetite, nausea, and stomach pain. The most common side effects reported for drugs that are similar to Focalin are nervousness and the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. In children, loss of appetite, stomach pain, weight loss during long-term treatment, inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, and abnormally fast heartbeat are the more common side effects. Less common or rare Focalin side effects may include abnormal heartbeat, abnormal muscular movements, allergic reactions including skin rash, anemia, blood pressure changes, blood vessel inflammation or blockage in the brain, chest pain, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, emotional instability marked by abnormal thinking or hallucinations, hair loss, headache, hives, inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, jerking or twitching body movements, joint pain, palpitations, pulse changes, purplish skin spots or bruises, severe skin rash, skin inflammation with peeling, Tourette's syndrome, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Focalin? If Focalin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Focalin with Antidepressant drugs (including MAO inhibitors (Nardil, Parnate), tricyclics (Elavil, Tofranil), and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Prozac, Paxil)), Antiseizure drugs (such as phenobarbital, Dilantin, and Mysoline), Blood pressure drugs (such as Catapres), Blood thinners (such as Coumadin), or Herbal remedies (such as Ephedra and St. John's Wort). Are there any special warnings about Focalin? Your doctor will do a complete history and evaluation before prescribing Focalin. It is important to remember that the drug is only part of the overall management of ADHD, and your doctor may also recommend counseling or other therapy. There is no information about the safety and effectiveness of long-term Focalin treatment in children. However, suppression of growth has been seen with the long-term use of stimulants, so your doctor will watch your child carefully while he or she is taking this drug. If your child is not growing or gaining weight as expected, the doctor may stop Focalin treatment. This drug should not be given to children under 6 years of age. The safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been established. Blood pressure should be monitored in anyone taking Focalin, especially those with high blood pressure or abnormal heart rate or rhythm. Caution is also advised in those with heart or thyroid problems. Be sure to tell the doctor if your child has blurred vision while taking Focalin. Some people have reported visual disturbances while taking stimulants similar to this drug. The use of Focalin by anyone with a seizure disorder or psychosis is not recommended. Caution is also advisable for anyone with a history of emotional instability or substance abuse, due to the danger of addiction. Focalin should not be used for the prevention or treatment of normal fatigue, nor should it be used for the treatment of severe depression. Do not share Focalin with anyone else, and give your child only the number of tablets prescribed by your doctor. Keep track of the number of tablets in a bottle so you will notice if any are missing. Not using Focalin correctly can lead to dependence; call the doctor immediately if you seem to be using more than the prescribed amount. |
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