Focalin dosage: A detailed guide

This article describes Focalin’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Focalin. If you want to know more about Focalin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Focalin is a brand-name medication that comes as a tablet (Focalin) and as an extended-release capsule (Focalin XR). Extended release means the drug is released into your body slowly over time. Focalin is available in a generic version called dexmethylphenidate. This article describes dosages of Focalin.

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Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and addiction

Focalin 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).

See the end of this article for more information about these warnings.

Forms and strengths of Focalin

Focalin comes in these forms and strengths: 

Dosage of Focalin

This article describes the recommended dosages for Focalin. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Focalin without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of Focalin in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Focalin. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Focalin that gives the desired outcome.

The following table outlines the recommended dosages of Focalin in adults, depending on the form that’s prescribed and other factors.

Dosages of Focalin in children

Focalin and Focalin XR are approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 years and older.

The following table outlines the recommended dosages of Focalin in children, depending on the form that’s prescribed and other factors.

Dosage adjustments for Focalin

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Focalin based on several factors. These include:

• the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
• your age
• how you respond to Focalin

Missed dose of Focalin

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Focalin. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of Focalin and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

• downloading a reminder app on your phone
• setting an alarm
• putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Focalin and its dosage.

Is the dosage of Focalin calculated by my weight?

No, Focalin is not calculated by weight. The drugmaker has provided recommended starting doses for Focalin and Focalin XR.

Your doctor will adjust your dosage each week as needed until they determine the right maintenance dosage for you. This will be personalized for you.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about dosages of Focalin. Also, see the section on “Dosages of Focalin,” for more information.

Can Focalin be taken long term?

No, doctors don’t typically prescribe Focalin as a lifelong medication. However, it may take a few months to determine what dose works best. Your doctor will recommend the length of the treatment based on how you respond to the medication and how well you tolerate it.

If you have questions about how long you should take Focalin, talk with your doctor.

How Focalin is taken

You’ll swallow Focalin twice per day, with at least 4 hours between doses. If you’re prescribed Focalin XR, you’ll take it once per day in the morning. You can take both forms of Focalin with or without food.

Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.

Focalin and Focalin XR should be swallowed whole. If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules or tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

If needed, you can open Focalin XR capsules, sprinkle the contents on applesauce, and swallow right away without chewing. Do not chew, crush, or break the small beads within the capsule.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Focalin coupon

Visit these pages to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Focalin and Focalin XR when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.

Overdose of Focalin

It’s important that you do not take more Focalin than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of Focalin overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• fast heart rate
• vasospasm (sudden narrowing of an artery)
• heart attack
• high or low blood pressure
• confusion
• agitation
• hallucinations
• seizures
• stroke
• very high body temperature (greater than 104°F)
• coma

What to do if you take too much Focalin

If you think you’ve taken too much Focalin, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Focalin. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of Focalin without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Focalin exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Why are the dosages different for Focalin and Focalin XR?
• Which form of Focalin is more likely to work best for me?
• Will a higher dose of Focalin increase my risk of side effects or dependence?
• Is the dosage of Focalin different for older adults (ages 65 years and older)?

Boxed warning for Focalin

Focalin 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).

With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. Addiction refers to feeling unable to stop taking a drug, even though it may be causing harm. Misuse and addiction can lead to overdose, which can be fatal.

Before you begin taking Focalin, your doctor will assess your risk of misuse and addiction. Also, during your treatment, your doctor will monitor you for signs of misuse and addiction.

You can also talk with your doctor to learn more.

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.