Dexmethylphenidate Dosing

For people who have never taken a methylphenidate product, the recommended starting dexmethylphenidate dose is 2.5 mg twice daily. The recommended starting dexmethylphenidate dosage for people who have taken methylphenidate before is half the total daily dose of methylphenidate taken before, as dexmethylphenidate is more potent than methylphenidate. If you are unsure about anything related to your dosage or dexmethylphenidate dosing in general, talk to your healthcare provider, nurse, or pharmacist.

An Overview of Dexmethylphenidate Dosing

The dose of dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride (Focalin®) 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 dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Dexmethylphenidate Dosage for ADHD

People who are new to
 methylphenidate products (such as Concerta®, Ritalin®, Methylin®, or Daytrana®) should start with dexmethylphenidate 2.5 mg twice daily.
 
People who have been on methylphenidate before should start with dexmethylphenidate at half the total daily dose of methylphenidate taken before, as dexmethylphenidate is more potent than methylphenidate. The dexmethylphenidate dose should be divided into two doses per day. For instance, if you were taking methylphenidate 20 mg total per day, your dexmethylphenidate starting dose would be dexmethylphenidate 5 mg twice daily.
 
The dexmethylphenidate dose may be increased at weekly intervals, if necessary. The maximum recommended dose of dexmethylphenidate is 20 mg total per day (10 mg twice daily).
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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