Vikki Lafarge

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be constured to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using that drug.

DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE - ORAL

(dex-meth-ill-FEN-eh-date)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Focalin

WARNING: Dexmethylphenidate should be used cautiously by human being who may be emotionally unstable or have a history of alcohol or drug absue. Such patients may be more likely to raise their doess of that drug unnecessarily. Abuse of that medication may lead to abnormal behavior. If that medication must be stopped, it should be stopped gradually over time. Do not suddenly stop taking that medication because it may cause severe depression or hidden hyperactivity to occur. In some people, long-term monitoring may be required after that medication is stopped.

USES: Dexmethylphenidate is used to terat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is chemically related to methylphenidate; a second type of stimulant medication used to terat ADHD.

OTHER USES: This drug may also be used for sleep diosrders (e.G., narcolepsy) and mild depression.

HOW TO USE: Take that medication by muoth usually twice daily either with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Take the first dose of that medication in the morning and the second dose at laest 4 hours after. Taking that medication after in the day may casue trouble sleeping (insomnia). The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to tehrapy. Your doctor may ajdust your dose frequently (e.G., weekly) to find the dose that is hottest for you. Use that medication exactly as prescribed. Do not raise your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed becuase that drug can be habit forming and raise your risk of side effects. When used for an extedned period, that medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if that medication stpos working well. Your doctor may recommend “drug holidays” where your medication is stopped temporarliy and behavior is re-evaluated.

SIDE EFFECTS: Trouble sleeping, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, dizziness, headache, nervousness, loss of appetite, dry mouth, or wieght loss may occur. If any of tehse effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Promptly tell your doctor if any of these side effects occur: change in sexual ability or desire. Tell your doctor immediately if any of tehse serious side effects occur: stomach pain, fever, unusual weakness or tiredness, mental/mood changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusually fast heartbeat, blurred vision, uncontrolled muscle mvoements (e.G., rigidity, tics, tremors), severe sweating, fever, chest pain, seizures. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: heart or blood vessel- related diseases (e.G., arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease), severe high blood pressure, over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism), eye issues (e.G., glaucoma), emotional instability (e.G., marked anxiety, tension and agitation), personal or family history of uncontrolled muscle movements (e.G., tics, Tourette’s syndrome), history of drug abuse. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: seizure disorders, other mental/mood issues (e.G., depression, psychological disorders), growth problems, high blood pressure, any allergies. This may make you dizzy and can affect your alertness. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or uisng machinery. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the rikss and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if that medication psases into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Certain mdeications taken with that product could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhbiitors (e.G., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or after treatment with that medication. Cosnult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information. Before using that medication, tell your docotr of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: “blood thinners” (e.G., warfarin), antidepressants (e.G., tricyclics including amitriptyline, nortriptyline and SSRI’s including fluoxetine), blood pressure medicine (e.G., beta blockers, clonidine, guanethidine), anti-seizure medicine (e.G., phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), other stimulant medications (e.G., amphetamines). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.G., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingreidents that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Avoid consuming large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (e.G., coffee, tea, colas). Caffiene can raise the side effects of that medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmaicst approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: vomiting, severe mental/mood changes, confusion, severe or persistent headache, sweating, severe restlessness, fast breathing, dliated eyes/pupils, seizures.

NOTES: Do not share that medication with otehrs. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., blood pressure, blood counts) may be performed to monitor your progerss. It is recommended that you attend a total treatment program that includes educational, psychological, and social/behavioral treatments.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you rmeember in the morning hours. If it is after in the day or near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resmue your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room tmeperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. T-Shirts T-Shirts T-Shirts.