Dexmethylphenidate User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Mr ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 10, 2014

Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "Let me explain what can go wrong here and what you may want to speak with your doctor about. Focalin XR's effect is much, much, much stronger than Concerta or Ritalin. This is very important to understand, so if you are thinking of switching to Focalin XR from another medication, do not go to a similar strength. I was on Concerta 54mg and went to Focalin XR 40mg. This was a scary experience. I got dizzy, almost passed out, and couldn't tell you what 1+1 was. It was horrible, to say the least. I discontinued the Focalin and tried Adderall. That made me grumpy and sick. I did research and found out about Focalin's potency. I am now on Focalin XR 15mg and doing awesome."

• Fra...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 11, 2020

Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "I was on Focalin XR when I was 5. I think it is a good medication learning-wise, but at the same time, it drains you. It takes your happiness and joy away. It’s like you are completely numb to joy. When I’m off of it, I can’t focus, but I am always so joyous and happy. When I’m on it, I focus perfectly, but I am very zombied out, and it is a horrible feeling."

• kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2020

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "Focalin 40 mg XR. I found that this medication was mostly ineffective. If anything, it has an initial kick and wears off extremely fast. I thought it would be like Adderall XR, which I could feel the effects come and go throughout the day at 30 mg. With Focalin, it's just one burst of euphoria/adrenaline, and then you crash and feel nothing except for the physical side effects like chest pain, rapid heartbeat, muscle tenseness. I took a nap 2.5 hours after taking it, which is ridiculous. It is frustrating because you don't feel the sense of focus that Adderall gives. I only took it for two days before I called it quits because I did not see a benefit and decided to go back to Adderall 20 mg IR. This medication did not suit me as a 27-year-old grad student. I felt anxiety and panic attack symptoms with the second dose I took, and I did not want to continue. It actually had a negative impact on my work input for those two days."

• Jos...
• April 9, 2015

Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "I'm 17 now. Been taking the medicine for maybe 3-4 years now. Honestly, it's fantastic in what it does. Better concentration, less impulsive, able to actually sit down and work, more control over my mood/emotions and it's worth repeating. Less impulsive. But please know that because of this, I also weigh 129 lbs. I'm 6 feet tall. This completely kills my appetite. I've gone a full 24 days without any real meal and hate it. I hate feeling my stomach in pain and feeling weak because I have nothing to fuel me, but still my mouth stays dry, and eating food becomes so non-instinctive that I have to force myself to go through the motions of chewing and swallowing. When off it, appetite is fine. Great medicine, please be aware of the effects possible."

• Cam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2013

Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "Our son has been on Focalin XR for about 3 months. He was on regular Focalin for 2 months prior to the XR, but because the medication would wear off so quickly, it was like he was on an emotional roller coaster. The XR has been better for those reasons. I still struggle with having my son on medication and the fact that his appetite is so little while on the medicine. But I'm happy to report he's doing well in school and cooperating. I don't like that he seems so serious when he's on the medicine because I don't want a little robot. But I can't have my son be so impulsive and unsafe. I also don't like that the medication wears off right around the time he gets home and he tantrums and acts terrible and all I do is correct behavior."

• ext...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 25, 2015

Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "My son was diagnosed at 4 and has been through almost all the drugs for ADHD, which would typically fail because of side effects, i.e., zombieing out or hypersensitivity, and the simplest things would make him cry. He has been diagnosed by two of the biggest and best-known hospitals for children (2 separate occasions) with the 0.001% extreme ADHD, and let me tell you, Focalin has been a godsend. He is 10 now, on Focalin XR 25 mg, his grades are up, and he receives left and right compliments from teachers who usually had complaints, with no reported behavioral issues yet. The only small downside is appetite suppression. A big healthy meal before the med, small high-cal snacks after school and dinner, and a big healthy dinner, and you're set. While on meds, you can't even tell he has ADHD!"

• jes...
• December 28, 2012

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "My 6.5-year-old son takes 5mg XR on school days only. He has been on it for 30 school days. He does great in school, and it appears to be a miracle help to him. It does seem to wear off too early, so I will talk to the doctor about that next week. When he comes home from school, and we try to do his homework, it is a nightmare. He has a very mild case of ADHD. He eats well so far. He sleeps better and longer now than he did before starting the medicine. But a few weeks ago, he told me he feels his heart beating fast and pains in his left side in physical education. I took him for a complete cardio check with EKG, ultrasound, and all kinds of other tests. He checked out in perfect condition. So we will keep an eye out and see."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 13, 2023

Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "“I don’t care what anyone else says about this medication, it is the WORST for kids. I started taking this when I was 10 years old, and it was a nightmare. This medication gave me anxiety attacks to the point that I would just sit on my bed and stare at the wall, all zoned out for sometimes even 30 minutes. Focalin XR caused me to act like a zombie, and every day when I was trying to focus in class, I would not be able to listen to the teacher. It would make my eyes feel very heavy and tired, but when I tried to take naps, I could not. Every day, unwanted thoughts would crowd my mind and would make it very hard to function. Once I was sitting down on the gym floor waiting to be picked up, and I started to continuously zone out, and one of the teachers watching everyone asked if I was okay. Whenever I would walk down my school hall, I would almost bump into people because my brain could not process where I was going. DO NOT GET THIS, PLEASE. No one believes me about this."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 12, 2017

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "My son started taking Focalin and started to complain that he could not see the board at school. At first, I figured, well, maybe he is just a kid who needs glasses. His prescription was very low. Now, a year and a half later, his principal from his school called me because he failed the state eye test. With his glasses on, he has 20/50 vision. So, I took him back to the doctor, and they could not correct his vision with the strongest prescription. Everything is blurry and out of focus, he lost all peripheral vision in both eyes. The doctor's first question was, 'What medication is he on?' So, I advised him Focalin 10 mg. He advised me to immediately go to the doctor who prescribed it because it is a severe side effect of Focalin. Grrrr."

• mom...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 19, 2016

Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "I have an 8-year-old with ADHD, ODD, and anxiety, and a 7-year-old with ADHD. We tried everything before going to meds - healthy diet (no sugar/dyes), exercise, consistent schedule. Both boys have taken Focalin XR for a year (started with low dosages and increased as they grew), and it's been life-changing! The meds have drastically improved their grades, behaviors, and relationships. Both boys take a small dose of Focalin with lunch to get through the afternoon and a small dose of Clonidine in the evening to slow things down for bedtime. Focalin XR has been our saving grace - now, instead of CONSTANT redirection, we can actually go do things and have fun. The only side effects are suppressed appetite, but they are both a healthy weight."

• Anonymous
• December 3, 2011

Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "This has been a Godsend. I have Executive Functioning issues with possible undiagnosed ADD and I have tried many, many different prescriptions (Adderall, Concerta, Meditate, Vyvanse) and none have worked nearly as well as Focalin. The ones listed above put a lot of load/pressure on my brain. It's hard to explain, but it was not pleasant. On Focalin, I am much more attentive and there's no body load. Others also cut my appetite significantly and kept me awake at night. While Focalin still cuts my appetite some, I am able to go to sleep when I need to. 10/10, but remember just because it worked for me doesn't mean it's going to for you. I suggest trying them all and seeing which one has the best synergy with your body."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2020

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "I am a mom of 2 kids with ADHD. They used to take Vyvanse, it worked awesome for a while, but then they couldn't sleep at night, and it started making their ADHD worse. They can't even watch a five-minute show. They are fighting in public, they'd run off, hit me, scream, have tantrums, and one of my sons broke a vase at Walmart. Now one takes Focalin, the other Ritalin, and the son on Focalin is a lot nicer. I can rest now, I can manage them. If they don't take it, it's a hard day for all of us."

• Ano...
• December 10, 2016

Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "I am 18 years old. I was diagnosed with ADHD just a couple of months after starting kindergarten. I was having trouble paying attention, got in trouble every day; seeing the principal 2-3 times every 2 weeks was normal. I started taking Focalin at 5. My grades improved, my conduct improved, and I could focus. I took it every weekday I was in school. It killed my appetite, I became dehydrated a lot, and I didn't get all the nutrients I needed to grow properly (16, 124 lbs). I stopped taking it in 7th grade at my discretion, and my grades dropped instantly; my conduct went back. In 11th grade, I started back, and instantly my grades improved. The only drawback is I have to force myself to eat."

• The...
• October 22, 2019

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "45-year-old male with depression and ADD. I started with Focalin 20 mg XR once a day, then 5 years later my doc added a regular 10 mg dose in the afternoon. This has been a fantastic medicine for me. Would not be able to perform at work without it. Two negative side effects (but the benefits outweigh them): 1) Intestinal discomfort and bowel movement like clockwork about 60-90 minutes after I take it in the morning. I have to avoid scheduling meetings for that time. 2) 'Meth dick' or 'meth penis,' which basically is caused by reduced blood flow to appendages. Get cold hands and feet, too. Luckily it doesn’t impact the size of an erection since blood is flowing then. It’s just ego bruising when shrinkage occurs. On the weekends, I skip the 20 mg dose and take 10 mg around noon so I don’t have to take two doses, also giving my body and brain a rest from the stimulant. My appendages feel warmer, too. But I am happy my doc prescribed this to me. Absolutely huge life-changer for me."

• Tre...
• December 18, 2016

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "My son (11) was put on 10 mg of Focalin for ADHD. We have been trying different meds to treat his ADHD without making his anxiety/trichotillomania worse. This med, by far, was the worst! It did seem to help at school for focus, but he had extreme rage issues. It got so bad that we called the police to find out what our options were if he were to actually hurt us or his little sister. He never hurt us, but did break a window, the screen door, and throw objects. Needless to say, we stopped the meds, and thankfully we have our sweet son back (although he can't focus and is annoying to other kids in his class). Please beware of mood changes with this drug."

• jan...
• August 27, 2019

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "For me, Focalin has had way more negative effects than positive. My doc started me off with 10 mg in the morning and then another 10 mg in the afternoon. Now I’m on 20 mg in the morning, 20 mg in the afternoon. It helps my concentration and ADHD issues for maybe the first 2 hours or less after each dose, but then from there, it causes terrible anxiety, depression. It makes things worse than actually helping when it starts wearing off (which is very quickly). Overall, I don't like Focalin at all. It not only comes with mental side effects like I mentioned but also physical side effects as well, such as: shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, constant feeling like I have to urinate but can’t, fatigue, etc. It’s been over 3 months, and it hasn’t helped my ADHD consistently or effectively anywhere close to stabilizing and treating it. Please consider other ADHD meds before going with Focalin for you/your child’s ADHD problems. It certainly hasn’t been the answer for me."

• gij...
• October 7, 2015

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "My 4 yo started taking Focalin today. 5 mg. She is higher than a kite. She talks incessantly. She is licking her chin. She is having mouth tics. She is sweating and scratching her face and arms. Her heart is beating so fast and is crying too. She will NEVER take this med again. ADHD is easier than this. It has been nearly 6 hrs, and it is still going strong. I can't get anything done for fear of taking my eyes off her. I would give it a 0, but wasn't an option."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 23, 2014

Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "I was diagnosed with ADD when I was seven, I think. I had behavior issues in my second-grade class, and I drove my teacher nuts with my constant distractions and my lack of focus. Little things like small talk and excessive noises triggered my symptoms, and I was put on Ritalin LA when I was eight. Ritalin was awful for me. I didn't sleep very well at all. I had periods of insomnia, and when I would sleep, it was very prolonged in hours of sleep I was getting. Finally, after a couple of years suffering with this Ritalin, I talked with my doctor about trying a new medicine called Focalin XR when I was 13, and I am almost 18 now. Focalin XR has been really wonderful for me. My focus is better. It does cause diarrhea and mood swings."

• Swi...
• April 5, 2016

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "I have been off and on Focalin XR 10 mg, debating whether I like it or not. I HATE IT. It increases my attention by a little bit. I like the loss of appetite because I need to cut down on eating, and this does it for me. But it is not worth it. Seven hours of school (9th grade) the whole day was terrible. I was scared about nothing and constantly had fear throughout the whole day, apparently, feelings of crying are very common. I can't talk to anyone either. I get so scared that I'm gonna mess up somehow talking to someone that I stutter and over-explain, and in the end, just make things more confusing. This is just not for me."

• Her...
• November 11, 2009

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "My daughter (6 years old) began on Focalin (10 mg) a month ago. We noticed she suffered from no ill side effects; rather, she became more 'in tune' with others' feelings and emotions, slept even more soundly at night, and did not have a loss of appetite. Unfortunately, it did not stay in her system long enough to get her through school and homework, so her doctor adjusted her dose (20 mg). Now she is loving it! For the first time, she is receiving high marks on her behavior at school, is able to communicate better with her friends, and (in her words) 'stay focused and in control'. The beauty of this is that it leaves her system after about 10 hours (she takes it at 7 am), and we are able to practice behavior modification procedures at home with her."

• Anonymous
• February 11, 2009

Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) for Auditory Processing Disorder "My son, age 9, was recently diagnosed with Central Auditory Processing Disorder. CAPD has a lot of the same 'symptoms' as Inattentive ADHD. After struggling with the best way to help my son and meeting with his pediatrician, we decided to give Focalin XR a try. We have seen amazing, wonderful progress. My son feels/is successful at school, he's able to focus, gets his work done, etc, all with very minimal side effects. We couldn't be happier! I realize medicines are not for everyone and many, like me, are hesitant to even try them. But I am here to tell you that it has made a very big difference for my son."

• Dsf...
• August 21, 2012

Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "My son started Focalin 5 mg when he was first diagnosed with ADHD. He was six at that time. While he did seem to be a bit more focused, the mood swings were VERY significant. He became volatile, reacting with violent outbursts and temper tantrums at the slightest provocation. After a while, his attention span declined, but his mood swings did not. His teacher noted that, even on medication, he was still having problems staying focused and on task. Upping the dosage would only have made his withdrawal worse, according to his pediatrician. I have known other children on Focalin who have had similar experiences with the medication. After six months (giving his body time to 'adjust' to the medication), we took him off. Trying Concerta."

• Zmo...
• February 24, 2009

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "My 8-year-old son has been on this medicine for 1 year. At first, it was great, it helped with his self-control, focus, etc. Now he is having side effects such as chest pain, aggressiveness, irritability, and tics."

• Jen...
• October 13, 2016

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "My son was so hyper that he couldn't even sit still to eat. I would like to respond to the person who questioned her thin 6-year-old being put on this medicine. My son was actually able to put on some weight as he was able to focus and finish his meals. Within a year, he was at a normal weight for his height. My son's doctor was able to explain that people with ADD or ADHD do not abuse this drug because it has the opposite effect on them than people without the disorder."

• liz...
• October 28, 2007

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) for ADHD "I just started taking Focalin, 5 mg, the long-acting type a week ago for ADHD. My doctor assures me that the drug should be out of my system within 6-7 hours, if that, and I should have no problem falling asleep. I take the medication at 7:30 in the morning and don't try to fall asleep until 11 PM that night, but to no avail, I can't sleep. This is definitely scaring me. I feel I'm developing insomnia...maybe I should discontinue use even though it helps with my ADHD."