Dexmethylphenidate Side Effects

Most people tolerate dexmethylphenidate well. When dexmethylphenidate side effects do occur, they are often minor and easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Abdominal pain, nausea, and a loss of appetite are a few of the drug's common side effects. If you experience more serious side effects, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or hallucinations, you should report them to your healthcare provider.

 

Dexmethylphenidate Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride (Focalin®). However, not everyone who takes dexmethylphenidate will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate dexmethylphenidate well. When people do develop dexmethylphenidate side effects, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(The dexmethylphenidate side effects discussed below are not a complete list of the side effects reported with dexmethylphenidate. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of dexmethylphenidate side effects with you.)
 

Common Dexmethylphenidate Side Effects

Dexmethylphenidate has been thoroughly studied in clinical trials, with many people having been evaluated. In these studies, the side effects occurring in a group of people taking the drug are always documented and compared to the side effects that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common dexmethylphenidate side effects include:
 
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain) -- up to 15 percent of people
  • Nausea -- up to 9 percent of people
  • Loss of appetite -- up to 6 percent of people (see Focalin and Weight Loss)
  • Fever -- up to 5 percent of people.
     
Dexmethylphenidate can also cause a temporary slowing of growth in children. This slowing of growth is usually small (less that an inch and less than two pounds), and children usually catch up to within normal limits in time.
 
(Dexmethylphenidate Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;