Focalin | ADHD Information
I have a thread concerning my 3 year old daughter already, but I was wandering if anyone else has had their child on Focalin and how/what was the outcome.? I have done alot of research online and I am very nervous about side affects. The only ones so far are irritability and outbursts of anger when coming off the med. I talk with her Pediatrician and Psycologist about every other day so as to keep them informed of her reaction/response to the med. The second dose seems to be the worst when coming off and thats usually around supper time. Otherwise the positives are that she seems to be alot happier and gets less frustrated and her impulsiveness has lessened. We actually have lots of fun together as she seems to enjoy playing and interacting more. Her Psy reccomened to half her afternoon dose and I did that today with positive results. Which I am kinda thankful, since the less meds the better. I would also like more info on the affects of Omega 3 fatty acids and any other nutritional input. We have already modified her diet to exclude sugar, red dye, and caffine(which I always knew better than to give her it would shoot her off like a rocket) I would really like to explore with a nutritionist/allergist but my options have been limited as we are on medicaid. The government health care system would rather just medicate, medicate, medicate and I don't think that is very fair. Anyway thanks agian for any advice. It is greatly appreciated.
No I havent but exploring options myself - if you find any info or have some success let me know 
I found these listed as the not so cammon side effects of Focalin:
The most common side effects reported for drugs that are similar to Focalin (including Ritalin) are nervousness and the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. In children, loss of appetite, stomach pain, weight loss during long-term treatment, inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, and abnormally fast heartbeat are the more common side effects.
Less common or rare side effects may include:
Abnormal heartbeat, abnormal muscular movements, allergic reactions including skin rash, anemia, blood pressure changes, blood vessel inflammation or blockage in the brain, chest pain, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, emotional instability marked by abnormal thinking or hallucinations, hair loss, headache, hives, inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, jerking or twitching body movements, joint pain, palpitations, pulse changes, purplish skin spots or bruises, severe skin rash, skin inflammation with peeling, Tourette's syndrome (severe twitching), vomiting
Focalin is really just a newer form of Ritilan. It only contains the more active ingredients. I am really getting worried. I will dicuss this with the Psycologist on Wed.