focalin

[Christine]

Hi! My 5 year old was just diagnosed with ADHD. The docs are recommending Focalin. Has anyone tried this med? how did it work?

[Veronika]

Hi Christine.

I searched the net and found a web site for Focalin.
I hope the information will help you.

www.adhdhelp.org/focalin.htm

[Christine]

Thanks Veronika! I have done a lot of searching on the internet about the medication. I was hoping that there were a few others that have tried it and would share their experiences. I know that the meds work differently for different kids. It is just so hard because I want to do the right thing and I am not sure....and I feel a little guilt about putting him on meds.
Thanks again for the web address.
Christine

[catseye]

Dont allow yourself to feel guilty... I did feel bad about it at first, but after seeing how much my sd was LOSING at school, as opposed to actually learning... I know we did the right thing... Im sorry I cant help on that particular medication though... Good luck

cat

[Jenn]

My Kat takes focalin and I think it is great. I must let you know she is ADD not ADHD. I can tell you from the ADD standpoint that she is doing good and can stay on task while the meds are in her. I cannot say how well it will work for one who is hyperactive. She takes 10mg in morn and at noon and 5mg afterschool around 4pm so she can get her homework done.

God will bear no burden that one cannot handle.

[jachkldavis]

Well today was his first day and so far all I notice is that he a little more emotional. I hope that this will work for him. We are going to give it a bit and see if we notice a difference.
Thanks again for the responses.
Christine

[Veronika]

Hi Christine! It usually takes a while to see how our kids will react to meds.

I know it's hard. I HATE giving my son meds. It took me a long time to realize I was actually helping him. But, it still didn't make me feel better inside. I guess it's a parent issue.

I hope things will improve for you and your son. Keep me posted.

[mskris]

Just FYI: Like many of the meds used for adhd, focalin has not been tested in children under the age of 6. It IS approved for ADHD and was tested for such in kids aged 6 to 17 yrs old.
Focalin is methylphenidate (same thing as ritalin and others) and is a central nervous system stimulant and is a controlled substance (ie, you'll have to get a new scrip each time - no refills allowed).

We did not try focalin, but ds used a generic methylphenidate, tried adderall, and tried concerta. Side effects were too much for us, especially the insomnia and loss of appetite. He now takes Strattera with fewer side effects and better response. He's 8.5 yrs old.

BUT, every child reacts differently. Good luck.

Kris

[chris28]

When my son was on Concerta, we used Focalin after school when he had homework, or a ball game. We had no side effects, and was out of his system by bedtime.

[Denise110]

TEXT ;)My dd (6) and my ds (11) ADHD currantly take Concerta. I give them focalin in the afternoons about 4 p.m. This helps get them thru the rest of the day, because the concerta has started to wear off. They have been doing great on it. There are no side effects that I've seen.

[Allanque]

*waves*

I'm on Focalin right now. I'm 21.

I take 20mg in the morning, because otherwise I don't sleep at night (which I'm STILL not doing and having issues with the Tenex, but that's another story).

I eat more on Focalin than I did on Adderall or Adderall XR. I lost 30 pounds in a month on Adderall when they first put me on it, don't ever do that, it makes you dizzy and loopy. On Focalin, I normally eat breakfast while or right before I take it. Lunch, I end up having a rice krispie treat and a bottle of milk most days (hush, it's cereal ). Dinner, I cook in my room because I detest most kinds of cafeteria food. I think I've actually gained a few pounds back. Yay!!!

On Ritalin, I was not a friendly person when it wore off. Mom used a word that rhymes with witch, but she normally only talked to me after 9pm since that's when we have the most cell phone minutes. The doctor says I didn't eat as much or sleep well on that.

Focalin is basically a derivative of Ritalin (methylphenidate) that only has some of the active compounds - the ones they left out apparently being the ones that caused the most side effects.

I like it, now if I could only find something that lets me sleep. I'm seriously considering the Ritalin patch.

[mickey54921]

My 11 year old is taking 20mg focalin in the am, 10mg at noon, and 10mg in the evening. This drug is short lived but it works great. According to my son's physician (who is very proactive in the ADHD world) has told me that Focalin LA (extended release) will be available in a year and 1/2, which will eliminate any chances of doses getting missed during the day and keep the child on an even keel all day long.

[cfredric]

Christine- My four year old son has been on focalin four several months now. He has the mood swings but we are currently adjusting the dose to see if it helps. He had been on some of the others and the results were not good. We haven't exactly found the right mixture but we are getting close. Yesterday was his best day so far. I will get home and get his "progress report" from my wife. Hopefully it has been another good day for the both of them.

Note: Watch the weight.

[jachkldavis]

Thanks for all the responses.
I called the dr and they increased his dose to 5 in am and 2.5 4 hours later. He has been angrier and more emotional. They told me to give it a week and see how it goes. I have an appt on the 13th to talk with the dr about the meds.
Christine

[chrismom]

My 9yo started out on Focalin last spring when he was first diagnosed with ADHD. He took it for a month as a sort of trial to see how he would react to meds. Then his Dr changed him to Concerta. I did notice on the Focalin he seemed more emotional, and had more of a rebound when it wore off. The Concerta seems to keep him on a more even keel emotionally, and I very seldom see a rebound. The only drawbacks to the Concerta are the lack of appetite (he is a tall skinny kid), and occasional trouble getting to sleep (I am going to try the warm milk with honey and vanilla).

I do have to say that I stuggled a great deal with putting him on meds. I felt so guilty and unsure of whether I was doing the right thing. We just had his first parent-teacher conference of the year last night, and what a difference! His report card is all A' s and B's, he very rarely forgets to turn in assignments, and is able to stay on task. He feels so much better about himself and his confidence has skyrocketed. The teacher had nothing but good things to say about his behavior. It has made all the difference in the world.