Using Focalin improperly can cause death or serious side effects on the heart.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Focalin may be habit-forming. Never share Focalin with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
You may take Focalin with or without food. Take the regular tablet twice daily, at least 4 hours apart. Take the extended-release Focalin XR capsule once daily in the morning.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow the capsule whole.
To make swallowing easier, you may open the Focalin XR capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use.
While using Focalin, your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your heart rate, blood pressure, height and weight may also need to be checked often. You may also need frequent blood tests.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Keep track of your medicine. Dexmethylphenidate is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.
 Detailed Focalin dosage information
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but not late in the day or you could have trouble sleeping. Skip the missed dose if it is almost evening. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of Focalin could be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include restlessness, tremor, muscle twitches, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, muscle pain or weakness, and dark colored urine. These symptoms may be followed by depression and tiredness. Other overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, uneven heartbeats, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizure (convulsions), or coma.
