Dexmethylphenidate Uses

Dexmethylphenidate HCl is a stimulant medication that is used for treating ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). People with ADHD have symptoms such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and a reduced ability to pay attention. Dexmethylphenidate is used as part of a total treatment program for ADHD, which includes behavior therapy, counseling, and medications. This drug is a Schedule II controlled substance by federal regulations because it can be abused and may lead to dependence. 

There may be other uses of dexmethylphenidate—your health system pharmacists or doctor can give you further drug information.

Dexmethylphenidate Mechanism of Action

Dexmethylphenidate increases the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that play a role in controlling behavior and improving attention, focus, and wakefulness.

Dexmethylphenidate Doses

Dexmethylphenidate is available as 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg immediate-release tablets and 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, and 40 mg extended-release capsules.

The dose of methylphenidate will depend on your age and whether you were previously on stimulant medications (other than methylphenidate).

In patients who are new to methylphenidate, the recommended starting dose of the immediate-release formulation is 2.5 mg twice a day (with the doses taken at least 4 hours apart). The dose can be increased by 2.5 mg to 5 mg at weekly intervals, up to a maximum dose of 10 mg twice a day (a total 20 mg daily).

The recommended starting dose of extended-release methylphenidate capsules is 5 mg once a day in the morning for children and 10 mg once a day in the morning for adults. The maximum dose is 30 mg daily for children and 40 mg daily for adults. People who are currently taking Focalin (dexmethylphenidate immediate-release tablets) can take the same daily total dose of Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate extended-release capsules). People who are currently taking another stimulant, for example, methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), should take Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate extended-release) at half the current dose of the other stimulant.