How Dexmethylphenidate Works
Although
dexmethylphenidate is a stimulant, it has effects that are the opposite of what would be expected of a stimulant. While stimulants like caffeine can cause hyperactivity, dexmethylphenidate has a calming effect. The exact way in which dexmethylphenidate produces a calming effect is not known; but it is known that dexmethylphenidate affects chemicals in the brain.
Dexmethylphenidate is very similar to
methylphenidate (the active component of
Concerta®,
Daytrana®,
Ritalin®, Metadate
®, and
Methylin®). In fact, methylphenidate is actually a mixture of dexmethylphenidate and levomethylphenidate. Of these two components, dexmethylphenidate is the more active one.
Dexmethylphenidate Use in Young Children
Dexmethylphenidate has not been approved for use in children less than six years of age.
Off-Label Dexmethylphenidate Uses
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend dexmethylphenidate for something other than the condition(s) discussed above. This is called an "
off-label" use. At this time, there are a few off-label dexmethylphenidate uses, such as:
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