Focalin
Warnings
What may interact with Focalin?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-lithium
-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
-other stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
-procarbazine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-atomoxetine
-caffeine
-certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
-certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
-cold or allergy medicines
-general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane
-medicines that increase the blood pressure like dopamine, dobutamine, or ephedrine
-warfarin
What should I tell my health care provider before I take Focalin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-circulation problems in fingers and toes
-hardening or blockages of the arteries or heart blood vessels
-heart disease or a heart defect
-high blood pressure
-history of a drug or alcohol abuse problem
-history of stroke
-mental illness
-suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
-an unusual or allergic reaction to dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using Focalin?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. This prescription requires that you follow special procedures with your doctor and pharmacy. You will need to have a new written prescription from your doctor or health care professional every time you need a refill.
This medicine may affect your concentration, or hide signs of tiredness. Until you know how this drug affects you, do not drive, ride a bicycle, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness.
Tell your doctor or health care professional if this medicine loses its effects, or if you feel you need to take more than the prescribed amount. Do not change the dosage without talking to your doctor or health care professional.
For males, contact you doctor or health care professional right away if you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours or if it becomes painful. This may be a sign of serious problem and must be treated right away to prevent permanent damage.
Decreased appetite is a common side effect when starting this medicine. Eating small, frequent meals or snacks can help. Talk to your doctor if you continue to have poor eating habits. Height and weight growth of a child taking this medicine will be monitored closely.
Do not take this medicine close to bedtime. It may prevent you from sleeping.
If you are going to need surgery, a MRI, CT scan, or other procedure, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking this medicine before the procedure.
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional right away if you notice unexplained wounds on your fingers and toes while taking this medicine. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you experience numbness or pain, changes in the skin color, or sensitivity to temperature in your fingers or toes.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.
This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medicine with a substance like cat litter or coffee grounds. Then throw the medicine away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture.
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