Focalin XR 10mg "ramp up"? | ADHD Information

Just started taking Focalin xr.  two days of 5mg did not seem to do anything and just started 10mg on day three and still dont see much of a dif today.  Is there a ramp up period?  How long do I need to take it before it starts working (or before I need to go back to the DR for something new?

 

Thanks JP212

My son (diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 4) now age 11 was prescribed focalinxr 20mg 1 time in the A.M bu his psychiatrist.   His first day -- great in school, however by 3:00 A.M. he was vomiting everywhere, had a high fever and was light headed. He hasn't been out of bed all day and missed school.   

I'm calling the doctor tomorrow to report this problem. He was on 58mg of Concerta (high for his age) but he is always in trouble because of his impulsive behavior. This year has been a disaster for him in school.

My question-- is this medicine widely used by doctors or it in experimental release to the public?   I didn't have to pay a co-pay when I purchased it from the CVS. I really am concerned that my son is being used in a test. Does anyone have any information regarding release and use of this medication?

Focalin was approved by the FDA in 2001 after clinical studies on 600+ kids:

http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/sleep-disorders/archives/Narco lepsy_focalin.htm

In 2005 the XR form was approved after studies on 320 adults, adolescents and children:

http://www.docguide.com/news/content.nsf/news/8525697700573E 188525700E00431D54

Post market survailance would also be ongoing, as for any med.

HTH

focalin is one of the fairly new and very effective stimulant meds - but like all of them they need to build up in your system for full effect.  You should feel some improvement fairly quickly but to get all the benefits you need to give it time.  Usually 2 weeks is enough to get a feel for if it works.  Sometimes given that we are ADHD and can miss the cues other people may need to let you know they see the changes.

I think many MDs allow ramping up too quickly.  I found that when I gave my 10mg dexedrine a chance that it took a whole 3 months before I had to up it to 20.  I take scheduled med holidays of 1 week for every 2 months and have kept the same amount stable for nearly 2 years now.

Don't expect fireworks and amazing things from your med - even with it you need to work at control and focus.  It allows you to draw on your natural ability to steer yourself but even the best ADHD med isn't an "autopilot". 

I highly recommend you take your focalin in conjunction with a therapy suited to ADHD such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).  It's been shown to help us regulate things far better than meds alone.  I wouldn't ever try either. 

Thanks Glen.  I'm on day 4.  I started with 2 days at 5mg the DR said to try 5 for 2 to 4 days after two I wentt to 1Omg which she suggested I do for 4-6 days before upping to 15 etc.  She said I would know when its too much and then we would dial back to correct dose and talk in 3 weeks.  I must say on day 4 I feel it but not sure I'm concentraiting better (or am I :)  I will look into the CBT for sure.  What should I notice after 4 days? jp212