Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride

Dexmethylphenidate, sold under the brand name Focalin among others, is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in those over the age of 5 years. If no benefit is seen after 4 weeks it is reasonable to discontinue its use. It is taken by mouth. The immediate release formulation lasts up to 5 hours while the extended release formulation lasts up to 12 hours. Dexmethylphenidate, sold under the brand name Focalin among others, is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in those over the age of 5 years. If no benefit is seen after 4 weeks it is reasonable to discontinue its use. It is taken by mouth. The immediate release formulation lasts up to 5 hours while the extended release formulation lasts up to 12 hours. Common side effects include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and fever. Serious side effects may include abuse, psychosis, sudden cardiac death, mania, anaphylaxis, seizures, and dangerously prolonged erection. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unclear. Dexmethylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. How it works in ADHD is unclear. It is the more active enantiomer of methylphenidate. Dexmethylphenidate was approved for medical use in the United States in 2001. It is available as a generic medication. The wholesale cost of a month supply in the United States is about 8 USD. In 2016 it was the 209th most prescribed medication in the United States with more than 2 million prescriptions. It is also available in Switzerland. Dexmethylphenidate is used as a treatment for ADHD, usually along with psychological, educational, behavioral or other forms of treatment. It is proposed that stimulants help ameliorate the symptoms of ADHD by making it easier for the user to concentrate, avoid distraction, and control behavior. Placebo-controlled trials have shown that once-daily dexmethylphenidate XR was effective and generally well tolerated. Improvements in ADHD symptoms in children were significantly greater for dexmethylphenidate XR versus placebo. It also showed greater efficacy than osmotic controlled-release oral delivery system (OROS) methylphenidate over the first half of the laboratory classroom day but assessments late in the day favoured OROS methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is contraindicated for individuals using monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine and tranylcypromine), or individuals with agitation, tics, or glaucoma, or a hypersensitivity to any ingredients contained in methylphenidate pharmaceuticals. The US FDA gives methylphenidate a pregnancy category of C, and women are advised to only use the drug if the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Not enough animal and human studies have been conducted to conclusively demonstrate an effect of methylphenidate on fetal development. In 2007, empirical literature included 63 cases of prenatal exposure to methylphenidate across three empirical studies. Products containing dexmethylphenidate have a side effect profile comparable to those containing methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is generally well tolerated. The most commonly observed adverse effects with a frequency greater than placebo include appetite loss, dry mouth, anxiety/nervousness, nausea, and insomnia. Gastrointestinal adverse effects may include abdominal pain and weight loss. Nervous system adverse effects may include akathisia (agitation/restlessness), irritability, dyskinesia (tics), lethargy (drowsiness/fatigue), and dizziness. Cardiac adverse effects may include palpitations, changes in blood pressure and heart rate (typically mild), tachycardia (rapid resting heart rate), and Raynaud's phenomenon (reduced blood flow to the hands and feet). Ophthalmologic adverse effects may include blurred vision and dry eyes, with less frequent reports of diplopia and mydriasis. Other adverse effects may include depression, emotional lability, confusion, and bruxism. Hyperhidrosis (increased sweating) is common. Chest pain is rarely observed.