Some Precautions and Warnings With Dexmethylphenidate
Some dexmethylphenidate warnings and precautions to be aware of include:
Stimulants (including dexmethylphenidate) are often abused. Taking high doses of dexmethylphenidate for long periods of time can lead to dependence on the drug (see Dexmethylphenidate Abuse). Because dexmethylphenidate is so commonly abused, there are special rules for prescribing the medication (see Focalin: A Controlled Substance for more information).
In people with psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder), dexmethylphenidate can worsen psychotic symptoms, including thought disorders and behavior problems. Also, dexmethylphenidate may make bipolar symptoms -- especially manic symptoms -- worse.
Sudden death has been reported in children and adolescents with heart problems who took normal doses of dexmethylphenidate. If your child has heart problems, talk with your healthcare provider about whether dexmethylphenidate is appropriate for your situation. Also, let your healthcare provider know if your child develops any chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking dexmethylphenidate.
Sudden death, stroke, and heart attacks have also been reported in adults taking normal doses of medications similar to dexmethylphenidate. These events seem to occur more often in adults with heart problems. If you have heart problems, talk with your healthcare provider about whether dexmethylphenidate is appropriate in your situation. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you develop any chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting during treatment with dexmethylphenidate.
Dexmethylphenidate can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. In most cases, the increase is small and does not cause problems. However, there is an increased risk for people who already have high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, certain irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or a recent history of a heart attack.
Dexmethylphenidate can cause a temporary slowing of growth in children. This slowing of growth is usually small (less that one inch and less than two pounds); and, in time, children usually catch up to within normal limits.
Dexmethylphenidate may cause an increase in aggressive behavior in people with ADHD. Let your healthcare provider know of you have any increase in aggressive behavior while on dexmethylphenidate.
Dexmethylphenidate can increase the risk of seizures, especially in people who have had seizures before. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking dexmethylphenidate if you have a history of seizures.
Dexmethylphenidate can cause blurred vision and other vision problems.
Dexmethylphenidate is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that dexmethylphenidate may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Talk with your healthcare provider before using dexmethylphenidate during pregnancy (see Focalin and Pregnancy for more information).
It is not known if dexmethylphenidate passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about this.
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