Warnings & Recalls for Focalin
Black Box Warning for Focalin
Focalin is a
federally controlled substance that has a high potential for
abuse, especially in patients who have a prior history of drug abuse or alcoholic behavior. Patients who abuse this medication may become tolerant to Focalin and develop a habit of dependency. This can result in serious behavioral changes which may result in psychotic episodes. Patients should be monitored carefully while taking Focalin, as withdrawal from this drug can result in a severely depressed state.
Focalin Warnings & Precautions
Patients who use stimulant medications may be at-risk for developing serious heart problems that, in rare cases, may be deadly. Patients with a family history of cardiovascular incidents should consult with their doctor before using this medication.
Focalin may also worsen or cause psychiatric issues. If you experience any changes in behavior, or experience worsened symptoms of bipolar disorder, talk to your doctor right away.
Is Focalin right for you?
Focalin should not be taken by any patients who suffer from :
- severe anxiety or who are easily agitated.
- tics or unconscious muscle movements, such as those caused by Tourette's syndrome
- serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma
Patients who have used any MAOI inhibitor medications in the past 14 days should also not use Focalin, as these medications may have a serious, negative interaction.
Focalin Treatment and Use
Focalin | dexmethyphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant manufactured by Novartis for the treatment of attention deficit hypersensitivity disorder (ADHD) in both adult patients and children. Focalin may help patients who suffer from this disorder by:
- increasing the ability to concentrate.
- reducing impulsive and hyperactive behaviors which interfere with focus.
Focalin is typically prescribed as part of a regimen that combines the medication with counseling or an alternative therapy.
How does Focalin work?
Although it is not entirely understood how this medication works, Focalin is thought to prevent the reabsorption of certain chemicals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. This makes more of these chemicals available in the body to provide a calm mental state, and sedate hyperactive activity in patients.
Focalin dosing instructions
Focalin is available as an extended-release capsule which is approved for use in patients 6 years of age or older. This medication should be taken in a single, morning dosage to ensure that the medication is absorbed by the body as the day progresses. Although you may take this medication alone or with a meal, food is thought to hinder the absorption of Focalin in the body and cause the medication to work more slowly than expected.
If a child patient has difficulty swallowing the capsule, you may break the capsule and mix the contents with applesauce. However, these beads should not be crushed or chewed as this can release too much medication into the body. If too much medication is ingested, seek emergency help immediately.
