focalin and food | ADHD Information
I always feed my son first because it decreases his appetite. If I can get a big breakfast into him I feel better about him not really eating lunch.
However, on days when I've needed to give it to him earlier I have not noticed a difference.
concerta also says "with or without food". But I take it early in the AM, and I don't usually get hungry until 10-11 AM, so I just eat something like bread or crackers because when it's that early it's like I'm forcing food down my throat. I am only on 27 mg, which was my starting dose, and so far it hasn't affected my appetite (although it hasn't really affected me at all yet ). I would think that if you can, it's probably better to take it with food, especially if it affects your appetite. But focalin also can tend to have fewer side effects than the other stims, so you'll have to see how it goes.I personally wouldn't worry about it as long as it's doing its job, but that's just me being lazy as usual
the only food-related thing I get concerned about is taking anything caffeinated. But, that's just me. hopefully someone else here has more knowledgable advice. 
Obviously I'm not a child, but I take Focalin XR and I don't always eat when I take it. I generally try to eat before or right after taking it though to make sure I have something in my stomach because otherwise I won't eat until 4-6pm if I don't. So I would imagine with a child it would be best to have them eat right before or soon after taking the med (within 15-30mins or however long it takes for it to kick in for them). ShawnB39270.5395833333Actually I hnave found that meds like Concerta, Adderall, Focalin XR work better with food. Specifically a high fat high protein breakfast, eggs, sausage(bacon) etc. It seems to make the release smoother.
If it's instant release i'd say it doesn't much matter, i've never felt a difference. The XR is a little more even with food i'd say, it's not as 'bouncy' (meaning that since it's little capsules the drug is released a little sporadically).
We are trying focalin now after a generic ritalin. Ritalin was supposed to be taken 30-45 minutes before or after food, but focalin says "with or without food." I'm wondering, though, if anyone has experienced the focalin working better for their child WITH food or even WITHOUT food (well before or after food, just not at the same time). Thanks in advance!--Kara
Mom to ADHD son, age 7.10 (7 yrs, 10 mos.)
[QUOTE=jaderock54]
I always feed my son first because it decreases his appetite. If I can get a big breakfast into him I feel better about him not really eating lunch.
However, on days when I've needed to give it to him earlier I have not noticed a difference.
[/QUOTE]
Ditto to everything said here! I have had the identical experience.
Focalin XR is a strange drug. I've been working on planning my meals around taking the drug cause I feel that the effectivesnss has a LOT to do with what you eat. For eaxample, if you take it with food, it takes much longer to kick in and it wont last as long.Me personally I take the Focalin XR 20mg and then wait about an hour to eat something I usually do have to force myself to eat casue it reduces my appetite whichishorrible but eh. The drug works!
My son's is taken with breakfast, usually or with a glass of milk at least. I've seen no difference with either approach . He seems to do the same whether it is with breakfast or without.