This article describes possible side effects of dexmethylphenidate oral tablet. You can explore this overview article to learn more about dexmethylphenidate, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Dexmethylphenidate oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Focalin. Dexmethylphenidate also comes in an extended-release capsule, but this form isn’t described in this article. (“Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.) To learn more about this form, talk with your doctor.
Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and addiction
Dexmethylphenidate oral tablet has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Misuse and dexmethylphenidate” section below.
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More common side effects of dexmethylphenidate
Dexmethylphenidate oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of dexmethylphenidate oral tablet include:
- abdominal pain
- fever
- nausea
- loss of appetite
Mild side effects of dexmethylphenidate
Dexmethylphenidate may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of dexmethylphenidate oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of dexmethylphenidate in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with dexmethylphenidate oral tablet. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.
Dexmethylphenidate oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of dexmethylphenidate
Dexmethylphenidate may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from dexmethylphenidate oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with dexmethylphenidate.
Serious side effects of dexmethylphenidate oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
* This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of dexmethylphenidate oral tablet. But it has been reported with methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is an ingredient in dexmethylphenidate oral tablet.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of dexmethylphenidate in detail” section below.
‡ Dexmethylphenidate oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Misuse and dexmethylphenidate” section below.
§ An allergic reaction is possible with dexmethylphenidate oral tablet. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.
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Side effects of dexmethylphenidate in children
For children, doctors prescribe dexmethylphenidate oral tablet to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The drug is used for this purpose in children ages 6 years and older.
In studies, the following side effects were more common in children than in adults:
- slow growth rate*
- weight loss*
If you’d like to know more about side effects in children taking dexmethylphenidate oral tablet, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of dexmethylphenidate in detail” section below.
Common questions about side effects of dexmethylphenidate
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of dexmethylphenidate oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How do side effects of dexmethylphenidate compare with those seen with Adderall?
Dexmethylphenidate and Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) are both stimulant medications that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. But they may also prescribe Adderall to people with narcolepsy to help them stay awake.
The mild side effects of both drugs are somewhat similar. They can both cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. However, Adderall may also cause other mild side effects, including aggressive behavior and diarrhea.
The serious side effects of dexmethylphenidate and Adderall are also similar. They both have a boxed warning about the risk of misuse and addiction. They can both cause increased blood pressure and heart rate, psychosis, mania, prolonged erections, circulation problems, tics, slow growth rate in children, and serotonin syndrome (a serious drug reaction that can affect the brain, muscles, and other parts of the body). But Adderall may also cause seizures.
If you have more questions about how the side effects of these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
How long do side effects of dexmethylphenidate usually last?
It depends on the side effect. Most mild side effects will go away once your body gets used to the drug or after you stop taking the drug. However, some serious side effects can last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug. These include serious heart and blood vessel problems and slowed growth in children.
If you’re concerned about how long the side effects of the drug will last, talk with your doctor.
Does dexmethylphenidate cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases dexmethylphenidate oral tablet may cause long-term side effects. These can last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.
Examples of long-term side effects reported with dexmethylphenidate oral tablet include:
- serious heart and blood vessel problems
- slowed growth in children
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of dexmethylphenidate may last.
Misuse and dexmethylphenidate
Dexmethylphenidate oral tablet has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Dexmethylphenidate is a stimulant drug that has a high risk of misuse and addiction. Misuse means a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed. Addiction means a drug is taken even if it’s causing harmful outcomes.
Misusing dexmethylphenidate can lead to substance use disorder and addiction. This can cause serious side effects such as overdose and death.
Due to this risk, be sure to store dexmethylphenidate in a safe and secure place, and you should not give the drug to anyone else to use.
Side effects of dexmethylphenidate in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of dexmethylphenidate oral tablet.
Priapism (prolonged and painful erection)
Priapism is possible in male* adults and children taking dexmethylphenidate oral tablet. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of dexmethylphenidate oral tablet. But it has been reported with methylphenidate. (Methylphenidate is an ingredient in dexmethylphenidate oral tablet.)
In some cases, it can require surgery to prevent permanent damage. This side effect can happen sometime after starting dexmethylphenidate, usually after your dosage is increased, or after the drug is stopped.
Priapism is a prolonged and painful erection that occurs without sexual stimulation. If it lasts more than 4 hours, it is a medical emergency.
With priapism, you may experience symptoms that include:
- erection lasting more than 4 hours
- rigid penile shaft
- penis pain
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “male” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of priapism, get medical help right away. Your doctor can give you treatment and determine if you need to stop taking dexmethylphenidate.
Slowed growth and weight loss in children
Studies reported slowed growth and weight loss in children taking dexmethylphenidate oral tablet. Dexmethylphenidate is a stimulant drug, which is known to cause these kind of side effects. This side effect may be serious.
Ways to manage
Due to this risk, your child’s doctor will likely monitor your child’s height and weight during treatment.
If you have concerns about this side effect, tell your doctor. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your child taking the drug.
If your child is taking dexmethylphenidate and they aren’t growing or gaining weight, your child’s doctor may have them stop taking the drug.
For some people, dexmethylphenidate oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to dexmethylphenidate oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for dexmethylphenidate
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking dexmethylphenidate oral tablet.
Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and addiction
Dexmethylphenidate has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
For details, see the “Misuse and dexmethylphenidate” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take dexmethylphenidate oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether dexmethylphenidate oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking dexmethylphenidate oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
Dexmethylphenidate and pregnancy
It’s not known whether dexmethylphenidate oral tablet should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Dexmethylphenidate and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether dexmethylphenidate oral tablet should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Dexmethylphenidate oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol.
But your doctor may still recommend avoiding alcohol while taking dexmethylphenidate. On their own, dexmethylphenidate and alcohol can each cause serious heart problems. Combining the two can make heart problems more likely.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with dexmethylphenidate oral tablet.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of dexmethylphenidate oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will my risk of priapism increase with higher dosages?
- How much weight can my child potentially lose?
- Am I at higher risk of heart problems given my medical history?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
