Focalin: 25 Answers

Questions, experiences and reviews (25)

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worried about permanent damage
Hello, I always get worried to ask this question, but I might as well since I just snorted half a 20mg focalin XR a few minutes ago, so anyway, I'm 17 and this past year, starting at the beginning of the school year, I started abusing my prescription of 10mg Focalin XR, about 3 or so weeks later, I got my doctor to up my dosage to 20mg, after I stopped going to school physically, and started online virtual school, I started to abuse them, and share them with my friends like they were candy, (I was going through sort of, as I used to call it, a "psychonaught" phase, and the constant recreational hallucinogenic mixers, and all night binges might have influenced my behavior.) Anyway, for a couple periods of time, for about a month or so, I would end up getting pretty hooked mentally on the high, I even got my doctor to bend the rules, and prescribe me 2 scripts, one for 20mg, and another for 5mg, I was constantly stealing them at night, and even picking the lock on my moms safe, to get this fix... luckily though, I got through both rough instances alright, but for almost the whole year I've been snorting them every morning, and I'm starting to get worried that I've done some sort of irreversible brain damage, heart damage, etc... I really just want to know that someone else has gone through long term abuse, and came out ok from it, I would also like to know some ways you may have used to quit snorting, I've even thought of "plugging" a capsule to enhance the effects, and sorry about the long story, I just finally want answers... thanks...

Jimmy
08/02/12

Focalin 20mg
So I'm taking Focalin XR 20mg pills. I recently got a drug test from the hospital (Pee test). Anyway it came back and showed that I had done cocaine which I have never done in my life. Could Focalin and the amount I'm taking caused it to show up positive?

Nathaniel
12/19/12

How long until rapd heart beat gies away after discontinuing?
We had to stop focalin due to nausea,headache,heart rate of 100 bpm that did not seem to go away...also some severe nervousness and anxiety. She has not taken it for 2 days but still jas the affects. Is 16 years old and no one even pharmacists can tell me how long affects will last. She took only 5 mg for one month and no ther meds.

Beth
02/25/13

What exactly is the prescription drug "focalin"?
I have a friend that told me she was prescribed focalin because she couldnt stay focused with anything. I'm just curious as to what focalin is prescribed for and what are the side effects?

A Blonde Belle
04/07/08

Focalin is a mild stimulant to the central nervous system (brain and nerves).

Focalin is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Focalin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide
Focalin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Focalin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure);

fast or uneven heart rate;

blurred vision or other visual changes;

unusual behavior, confusion; or

twitching or tics.

Continue using Focalin and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

sleep problems (insomnia);

loss of appetite;

upset stomach;

feeling restless, anxious, or jittery;

dry mouth, sore throat; or

headache.

beautiful_nightmare_psychosis
04/07/08

Do focalin and cocaine trigger the same thing in a drug test?
Im on a small amount of focalin 5mg a day. If I dabble in a little coke is my doctor even gonnna know? cause doesnt focalin trigger amphetamines anyways?

Jimmy D
07/06/10

Nope, and heres why.

Depending on the test, the 5mg a day of focalin may not even show up on the test because it may not be enough for the test to pick up.

If it did show up as amphetamines, thats all it would show up as.

Cocaine shows up as cocaine, or the metabolite norcocaine. This is completely different from prescription amphetamines as the prescription does not show up as cocaine or norcocaine.

So if you did the coke, the test would pick it up as coke, not amphetamines.

Wes
07/06/10

Child has a bad attitude since starting focalin xr anyone else have this problem?
My 8 year old is on 10 mg focalin xr every morning and 5 mg of short acting focalin in the afternoons. It seems to have calmed her down but she has gotten a very bad attitude, is often "forgetful" and acts like she doesnt know how to do anything. Is this normal, has anyone else had the same problems with this medication?

chickfromthelotuspod
02/03/09

The doctor who prescribed the medicine will be able to tell better.

Naguru
02/03/09

Has anyone had a lower sex drive on Focalin?
I just started Focalin to help with my ADD, wondering if anyone has experienced a drop in sex drive using Focalin. I've been on Adderall and Concerta and lost all sex drive, kind of worried this will do the same.

JenC1221
09/12/08

The first thing you need to do is figure out why your sex drive is low and try to help get it back. I was in your situation and it's not fun without being horny and feeling in the mood when needed. I also felt like my orgasms (if I would even get one) were really weak. Probably because of my sex drive.

However, I tried exercising and dieting but nothing seemed to be working. I thought I was screwed. I then found something just as amazing as the vibrator.

My friend at work told me about this stuff she took to raise her sex drive. It was a natural herbal supplement and was I lucky to of found it. Theres no side effects and the sex drive is just tremendous along with orgasms that are blasting. The stuff is called Hersolution pills. At the time I saved money on them at herenhancement.com

What I did was tried out for 3 months and that was really it. I found taking them every other day or so was the best to stretch it out. After the months were up, I was back to normal with a beating sex drive and my orgasm strength in increased so much.

Well good luck and I hope this helps.

Cindy C
09/13/08

How long does it take for focalin xr to kick in for adult?
Just took my first dose and I am curious how long it generally takes to start working. I previously was on vyvanse which would take close to 2 hours to kick in so I am hoping focalin xr will be faster acting. Also any recommendations on best time of day and whether focalin xr is most effective when taken with or without food. Would appreciate any advice from fellow adult adhd'ers! Thanks!

lauren shipp
01/20/11

Speaking as a doctor who treats ADHD, this review of Focalin should answer all of your questions:

Focalin Review:
http://www.add-treatment.com/focalin.html

wondermom
01/22/11

lauren
01/20/11

Speaking as a doctor who treats ADHD, this review of Focalin should answer all of your questions:

Focalin Review:
http://www.add-treatment.com/focalin.html

wondermom
01/22/11

Focalin XR?
I was just put on focalin 20 xr and my question is do I have to keep seeing my psychiatrist every month to continue getting the medicine.
Why can't she just give me a refill on it?

sunnysky4u
05/17/07

its good to keep seing your psychiatrist, but you can just go to a normal doctor and get refils

xxthuntertxx
05/17/07

what medicine is close enough to focalin to replace it?
my son has been on focalin for four years,he has adhd,add, and aspergers syndrome,he has a tic that has become very hard to deal with.

bigmomma30
04/27/09

If side effects like Fever, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, stomach pain are what is forcing you to replace it, potentising the same medicine can remove the side effects and give all good effects for ADHD.

udaya k
05/01/09

How long does Focalin XR work in an Adult?
I was put on 20mg. of Focalin XR this week for ADD. I take it at 8am along with Wellbutrin 150mg and Prozac 40mg. It seems to help some but NOT all day . . . maybe until about 4pm. Does drinking coffee have any negative effect??

Theresa
08/29/07

Focalin XR is a stimulant in extended release form for the treatment of ADHD in children and adults/ Welbutrin and Prozac are drugs for the treatment of major depression. The fact that you are taking 3 drugs makes it difficult if not impossible to determine why the effects you notice may not last all day. You are getting the maximum recommended dose of Focalin for an adult and it should not be given for the treatment of depression according to the information given in www.fda.gov/oder/fci/label/2005/021802lbl.pdf.

You can look up the facts on these drugs by typing in "Focalin XR", "Welbutrin" and "Prozac" into Yahoo! web search, one at a time and a number of links comes up. The food and drug admin., fda, sites give the most technical info.

I would look these drugs up and confront your prescribing physician with any inconsistencies you might find including the one in your question. As I said above it is impossible to determine which drug is not giving you the "feeling" of being effective all day.

Good luck in your search, good health, peace and love!

Mad Mac
08/30/07

Focalin can cause nausea and loss of appetite--good thing you're not experiencing either of these! If you want to save some cash on your next purchase of Focalin XR, go out to this site http://www.medicouponmanager.com/Focalin-XR-Coupon__p-102.aspx and pick up a nice discount!

Jeff Jones
02/09/12

Why is my Focalin xr 10 mg for ADHD not working?
I take Focalin xr 10 mg for my ADHD it's been 4 days and I don't see or feel anything that makes me more focus or less fidgety and people around me don't see it either. I only have a slight headache and I'm slightly apathetic what's happening? would anyone recommend taking 2 doses (20 mg) I'm calling my psychiatrist ASAP but I would like to know what he would say or do.

Johnnycake
09/04/09

huh. thats weird. usually Focalin, and other psychostimulants work very well and are immediately effective. Are u sure its Focalin? it sounds like more like the side effects of Prozac or something lol. maybe upping the dose would work. sometimes, switching to another ADHD med, like Adderall, will cause a better response. Adderall works differently than Focalin, and sometimes it will not cause tolerance like Ritalin and Focalin,

mini roo
09/04/09

I was wondering how long does it take for Focalin XR to kick in for ADHD?
I just put my son on Focalin XR 5 mg so he can stay more focused in school. I was wondering does the medicine work right away or does it take time? If so, how long?

Kat
03/26/10

It call depends on the kids... my little brother got put on that and it took about a week or so before we started to notice a difference. Just make sure that he is taking them and be patient. Usually things for ADHD can take up to about 6 weeks to kick in but you may notice changes within a week or so.

GirlyGirlwithAttitude
03/26/10

How fine does one need to make Focalin XR in order to snort?
How fine does the beads of Focalin XR need to be. "The finer the better." Someone said, but that doesn't help me. I want to know how long I need to take razor to beads. Thanks.

Mason
10/12/10

Due to previous experiences, I have learned that the Focalin XR beads are better suited when they are 2.4580 mm wide, and 1.9432 mm long. Make sure the razor is Pronane-Ultra Series XII for the best results.

Andrew
10/12/10

Can i take focalin XR if I am still currently on Intuniv 3mg?
I'm going to stop the Intuniv but I want to start back up with Focalin.

Chris Hamill
11/17/10

I would stop one before I start the other, you should really talk to your doctor about this.

Dr Dave
11/18/10

Can i take focalin XR if I am still currently on Intuniv 3mg?
I'm going to stop the Intuniv but I want to start back up with Focalin.

Chris
11/17/10

I would stop one before I start the other, you should really talk to your doctor about this.

Dr Dave
11/18/10

Focalin????????????????????????????????
How do you take Focalin to get the highest you can off of it?

Kevin
06/04/09

if you're prescribed focalin, taking an extra pill (i.e you take 20mg a day, 10mg extra) will get you a bit high. it's shortlasting and is really just a slight euphoria and extra energy. grinding up the pill and snorting or just swallowing it.
if you aren't prescribed it, any dose will be felt.

but here's the thing,
don't take it to get high.
it isn't something that you want to start doing, i know from experience that it really is dumb and not healthy at all. it messes with your sleeping, my nose is starting to get a little numb (i can't even feel it when i snort anymore), and my sense of smell has even declined a tiny bit. even though i love the extra focus i get (i have add) and little energy and good mood but it's not worth it. please consider taking my advice :)

amyyes
06/04/09

How does focalin make you lose weight?
i just started taking Focalin 5 mg a day, I was told a common side effect is weight loss, is this true? and if so why does it make you lose weight?

KA
03/21/08

It is in the class of meds known as stimulants. It stimulates the body and usually makes your metabolism faster which may lead to weight loss.

N
03/21/08

Is it safe to take 40mg of Focalin XR in a day?
I weigh about 95 lbs and am seventeen years old. I am taking 20mg Focalin XR in the morning (6am) and 20mg at night (7pm). Is this safe or unhealthy? The only problem is that I took it last night at 8 and fell asleep at 3:30am, so I know that can't be beneficial to my health but besides that.....? Thanks
I am taking it for school focusing purposes only

laura d
12/02/10

40 milligrams is safe, some rare cases take up to 60 to 120 milligrams or more. Nobody can say for sure long-term if taking these medications at these high doses are safe. We've only begun to do so in the past several decades.

☼Get Well Soon!☼
12/05/10

Can Focalin XR when taken in the morning cause sleep problems?
My daughter was put on Focalin XR for ADHD. She takes this first thing in the morning along with her anitbiotics for Lyme Disease. Since she has been taking this she has not slept more than 5 hours at night. I have checked every other medicine and none of them seem to cause any sleep problems. Besides that the doctor that put her on this medicine said she either had ADHD or Bipolar disorder but they couldn't tell which one. Any help would be great. Thanks!!

Courtney P
02/25/09

Is the Focalin helping with her symptons? If it is than she is ADHD. If it seems to make the symptoms worse, then she most likely has Bipolar disorder. My son is on Adderol XR for ADD and it helps with his symptoms. In the beginning he ate very little and slept very little but it did pass with time. Manic episodes from the Bipolar can also make someone sleep less....... Again, look at her symptoms, if the Focalin helps then give it a little time for the side effects to go away. If her symptoms are worse.... take her back to the doctor and see about trying a med for Bipolar mania.

Ms Cat
02/25/09

Weight loss using Focalin prescribed to you?
I know focalin causes weight loss in people that aren't supposed to take it, but i was wondering if you could cause weight loss by taking more than the prescribed amount even if you do have ADD?

Becky
07/26/08

I was prescribed Adderall which is just like Focalin. I lost 60 pounds in a few months. I have ADD and I took my prescribed amount. If you are taking it and still have a decent appetite, I would say you aren't taking the right dosage. Even if you have ADD and are taking the prescribed dosage, you should definately lose weight. I'm a male 6'6'' 225 lbs. You should lose weight if taking the right dose. (sorry about the long explanation, I'm on Focalin XR right now... hehe)

garrison
07/26/08

What is the strongest form of ADHD medications?
(adderall, vyvanse, focalin, dexedrene, dextrostat, ..etc)

Need the public opinion on which medicine is the strongest grade and most effective.

Blaine
06/06/11

	bleedforthis: @Focalin Heey what about me?! :(
	SicRic: @Focalin < @SteveSchneider at the end of the day.
	SicRic: @Focalin cool
	SicRic: @Focalin shush. I love ya bro.
	Damage093: @Focalin Are you training your iguanas?
	chuchu33: @Focalin you're dating your sister? Gross.