Dexmethylphenidate: Uses, Dosage, Side-Effects And Alternatives

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from ADHD, then you know how frustrating it can be to live with the condition. There are a number of treatments available for ADHD, but many people find that dexmethylphenidate is the best option. This drug has been shown to be very effective in treating ADHD symptoms, and it is safe and well-tolerated by most people. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of dexmethylphenidate and how it can help you manage your ADHD symptoms. We will discuss, the different aspects of dexmethylphenidate medication such as dosage and precautions while taking this medication.

What Is Dexmethylphenidate?

Dexmethylphenidate is a drug used to treat ADHD. This medication is also known by the brand name Focalin. It is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. Dexmethylphenidate works by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are important for focus, attention, and motivation. Dexmethylphenidate is available as a tablet and an extended-release capsule. The extended-release capsules are taken once daily. The tablets can be taken two or three times a day. Dexmethylphenidate should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of medication in the body.

This medication may be used for other purposes not listed in this guide. If you have any questions about dexmethylphenidate, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Working of Dexmethylphenidate

The working of dexmethylphenidate is not fully understood but it is thought to increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These are chemicals that help with focus and concentration. It is believed that people with ADHD have lower levels of these chemicals.

After this medication is taken, it is broken down into two other drugs. One of these is called l-threo-dextroamphetamine. This drug works in a similar way to dextroamphetamine, which is used to treat ADHD. The other drug that dexmethylphenidate breaks down into is l-methamphetamine. This drug has not been studied as much and its effects are not fully known.

After this medication is taken, it takes about one hour for it to start working. The effects of this medication can last for four to six hours. There are different formulations of this medication that can last for eight to twelve hours.

This medication is a central nervous system stimulant. This means that it can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. It can also make you feel more awake and alert. This medication should not be taken if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or an overactive thyroid gland. You should also not take this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What Does Dexmethylphenidate Treat?

There are many disorders dexmethylphenidate can treat, but it is most commonly used to treat ADHD. Some other disorders that dexmethylphenidate treat:

ADHD

ADHD is a mental disorder that manifests with problems in focus, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Dexmethylphenidate is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD symptoms. ADHD is sometimes that can be comorbid with other disorders, such as anxiety or depression.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a mental disorder characterized by fear and worry. Dexmethylphenidate can help to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are many different types of anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Depression

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by low mood and loss of interest in activities. Dexmethylphenidate can help to improve mood in people with depression. Depression is often comorbid with other disorders, such as anxiety or ADHD. There are many different types of depression, such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder characterized by periods of mania and depression. Dexmethylphenidate can help to stabilize mood swings in people with bipolar disorder. Sometimes there are comorbidities with other disorders, such as ADHD or anxiety. There are many different types of bipolar disorder, such as bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder.

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. Dexmethylphenidate can help to reduce the symptoms of Tourette syndrome. Tourette syndrome often co-occurs with other disorders, such as ADHD or OCD. There are many different types of Tourette syndrome, such as Gilles de la Tourette syndrome and chronic motor tic disorder.

OCD

OCD is a mental disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsions. Dexmethylphenidate can help to reduce the symptoms of OCD. OCD often co-occurs with other disorders, such as ADHD or Tourette syndrome. There are many different types of OCD, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and hoarding disorder.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that manifests with problems in thinking, emotions, and behavior. Dexmethylphenidate can help to reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia often co-occurs with other disorders, such as anxiety or depression. There are many different types of schizophrenia, such as paranoid schizophrenia, disorganized schizophrenia, and catatonic schizophrenia.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are mental disorders characterized by abnormal eating behaviors. Dexmethylphenidate can help to reduce the symptoms of eating disorders. Eating disorders often co-occur with other disorders, such as OCD or anxiety. There are many different types of eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

Dosage of Dexmethylphenidate

The dosage of dexmethylphenidate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of dexmethylphenidate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):

Adults—At first, 18 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning with or without food. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 54 mg per day.

Children—At first, 18 mg once a day in the morning with or without food. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 54 mg per day.

For oral dosage form (tablets):

Adults and children over six years of age—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning with or without food. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose should not be more than 60 mg per day.

Children under six years of age—Use and dosage must be determined by your doctor.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. It also helps to keep track of how much medicine is left so you will know if any is missing.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant.

Tips While Taking Dexmethylphenidate

These are some tips while taking dexmethylphenidate:

Take dexmethylphenidate exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than what is prescribed.
Dexmethylphenidate should be taken with food. Taking it on an empty stomach may cause nausea and vomiting.
Do not drink alcohol while taking dexmethylphenidate. It can increase the risk of side effects.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses.
Store dexmethylphenidate in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits of Dexmethylphenidate

There are many benefits of dexmethylphenidate. Some of these are:

Safe And Effective

This drug is very safe and effective. It has been used to treat ADHD for many years and has been shown to be very effective. It also has an excellent safety profile, meaning that it does not cause many harmful side effects. Sometimes there are also many benefits to taking a drug rather than other treatments, such as therapy. It also has an excellent safety profile, meaning that it does not cause many harmful side effects.

Convenient

This drug is also very convenient. It is a pill that can be taken once or twice a day, depending on the dose prescribed by the doctor. This means that it is easy to take this drug and it does not require any special equipment or preparation. It also gives a person the freedom to choose when they want to take their medication.

Inexpensive

This drug is also very inexpensive. It is generic and therefore much cheaper than other ADHD drugs on the market. This makes it an excellent choice for families who cannot afford more expensive options. It can also be a good choice for people who do not have insurance or who have high deductibles.

Ease of Use

Dexmethylphenidate is also very easy to use. It comes in the form of a pill that can be taken orally. This makes it easy for people to take and helps ensure that they will get the full benefits of the medication. It can also be taken with or without food, which makes it even more convenient.

Side Effects of Dexmethylphenidate

There are many side effects of dexmethylphenidate. Some of these are:

Headaches

Headaches are something that a lot of people experience when they use dexmethylphenidate. If you get headaches often, you might want to ask your doctor about these side effects.

Dizziness

Dizziness is another common side effect of dexmethylphenidate. If you feel dizzy, make sure to sit or lie down until the feeling passes.

Nausea

Some people also experience nausea when they take dexmethylphenidate. If you start to feel sick, try drinking a clear liquid like water or ginger ale.

How To Manage Side-effects of Dexmethylphenidate?

There are many ways to manage side-effects of Dexmethylphenidate such as:

Talk To Your Doctor

To manage the side effects of Dexmethylphenidate, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can help you find the best way to manage the side effects so that they do not cause too much disruption in your life. It can also be helpful to keep a journal of the side effects so that you can track them and see if they are getting better or worse over time.

Find Support Group

There are many support groups for people who have ADHD. These groups can be a great way to meet other people who understand what you are going through. They can also offer helpful advice on how to manage the side effects of Dexmethylphenidate.

Exercise

Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and improve your overall health. It can also help to reduce the side effects of Dexmethylphenidate by improving your mood and energy levels.

Eat Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet can help to improve your overall health and well-being. It can also help to reduce the side effects of Dexmethylphenidate by providing your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and well-being. It can also help to reduce the side effects of Dexmethylphenidate by improving your mood and energy levels. It can also help to improve your focus and concentration.

Take breaks

It is important to take breaks from Dexmethylphenidate sometimes. This can help to reduce the side effects of the medication by giving your body a chance to rest. It can also help to prevent you from becoming too reliant on the medication.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is something that is very important that is often overlooked. Staying hydrated can help to reduce the side effects of Dexmethylphenidate by keeping your body and brain functioning properly. It can also help to prevent you from becoming too reliant on the medication.

Alternatives of Dexmethylphenidate

There are many different alternatives to this medication that can be used to treat ADHD. Some of these alternatives include:

Adderall

This medication is one of the most commonly used medications to treat ADHD. It is a stimulant that helps to increase focus and concentration. It also decreases impulsiveness and hyperactivity. The cost of this medication is around $120 per month.

Ritalin

This is another stimulant medication that is used to treat ADHD. It works by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This medication is available as a tablet, liquid, or extended-release capsule. The cost of this medication ranges from $40-$80 per month depending on the dosage and form taken.

Concerta

This is an extended-release version of Ritalin that lasts for 12 hours. It comes in 18, 36, 54, and 72 mg doses. The cost of this medication ranges from $50-$160 per month depending on the dose taken.

Vyvanse

This is a newer medication that was approved to treat ADHD in 2007. It is an amphetamine that helps to increase focus and concentration. It also decreases impulsiveness and hyperactivity. The cost of this medication is around $270 per month.

Intuniv

This medication is a non-stimulant that was approved to treat ADHD in 2009. It works by affecting the norepinephrine system in the brain. This medication is available as a tablet or extended-release tablet. The cost of this medication ranges from $140-$200 per month depending on the dose taken.

Conclusion

Dexmethylphenidate is a drug used to treat ADHD. It is a stimulant that works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Dexmethylphenidate is available as a tablet, capsule, liquid, or chewable tablet. It comes in two forms: immediate-release and extended-release. The immediate-release form lasts for four hours, and the extended-release form lasts for eight hours. Dexmethylphenidate can be habit-forming and should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.

A Word From Therapy Mantra

Your mental health — Your psychological, emotional, and social well-being — has an impact on every aspect of your life. Positive mental health essentially allows you to effectively deal with life’s everyday challenges.

At TherapyMantra, we have a team of therapists who provide affordable online therapy to assist you with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, workplace Issues, addiction, relationship, OCD, LGBTQ, and PTSD. You can book a free therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.