Dexmethylphenidate Oral Tablet (DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE - ORAL)

For attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Brand Name(s): Focalin

Generic Name: Dexmethylphenidate

Instructions

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Cautions

This medicine can be habit-forming. If you use this medicine regularly for a long time, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop. Please use this medicine only as directed.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • decreased appetite
  • headaches
  • high blood pressure
  • irritability
  • restlessness
  • shakiness
  • sore throat
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain
  • weight loss

If you have any of the following side effects, you may be getting too much medicine. Please contact your doctor to let them know about these side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • change in behavior
  • confusion
  • dizziness
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • severe or persistent headache
  • rapid heartbeat
  • muscle aches, spasms or abnormal movements
  • muscle trembling
  • sweating

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • seizures
  • blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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