What Is Dexmethylphenidate Used For?

Some people may wonder, "What is dexmethylphenidate used for?" A healthcare provider may prescribe dexmethylphenidate to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in teenagers and children who are at least six years old. Dexmethylphenidate has been shown to help improve the behavior of children and teenagers with ADHD, as well as to help them to sit still and pay attention in the classroom. Some off-label dexmethylphenidate uses include treating depression, narcolepsy, and adult ADHD.

 

What Is Dexmethylphenidate Used For? -- An Overview

 Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride (Focalin®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
 
Using Dexmethylphenidate for ADHD
ADHD is a condition that involves difficulty paying attention, sitting still, and controlling behavior. In a child who has ADHD, these problems are worse than expected for a typical child of the same age. Usually, the ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of seven to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also affect school, work, or social life in a negative way to qualify as ADHD (see ADHD and School and Relationships and ADHD for more information).
 
Although ADHD is generally thought of as a problem in children, teenagers and adults can also have ADHD. Diagnosing ADHD in adults is different than diagnosing ADHD in children.
 
In large clinical trials, dexmethylphenidate has been shown to help children and teenagers who have ADHD. Dexmethylphenidate can help improve the behavior of these children and teenagers, as well as to help them sit still and pay attention in the classroom. The medication is not approved for use in adults (see Focalin for Adults and Adult ADHD).
 
Any behavioral change involves a well-balanced ADHD treatment plan, including social, educational, and mental therapy (see Behavior Therapy for ADHD). If lifestyle changes alone are not effective at changing ADHD behavior, ADHD medications, such as dexmethylphenidate, may be necessary.
 
(What Is Dexmethylphenidate Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;