Dexmethylphenidate Extended-Release Dosing

The recommended starting dexmethylphenidate extended-release dosage for people who have never taken a methylphenidate product is 10 mg once daily for adults and 5 mg once daily for children. For people who have taken methylphenidate before, the recommended starting dexmethylphenidate extended-release dose is half the total daily dose of methylphenidate taken before. Your age and other medical conditions you may have are among the factors that can affect dexmethylphenidate extended-release dosing.

 

An Overview of Dexmethylphenidate Extended-Release Dosage

The dosage of dexmethylphenidate extended-release (Focalin XR®) your healthcare provider prescribes will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other ADHD medications you may have tried
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dexmethylphenidate extended-release dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Dexmethylphenidate Extended-Release Dosage for ADHD

People who are new to
 methylphenidate products (such as Concerta®, Ritalin®, Metadate®, or Methylin®) should start with dexmethylphenidate extended-release 5 mg once daily for children and dexmethylphenidate extended-release 10 mg once daily for adults.
 
People who have been on methylphenidate before should start at half the total daily dose of methylphenidate taken before. For people switching from Focalin® tablets to dexmethylphenidate extended-release, the total dose per day should be the same. The maximum recommended dose of dexmethylphenidate extended-release is 20 mg per day.
 
The dexmethylphenidate extended-release dose may be increased at weekly intervals, if necessary.
 
(Dexmethylphenidate Extended-Release Dosing Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;