I just started taking Focalin. I was prescribed 5mg but it is supposed to be equivalent to 10mg ritallin. I don't like the way it makes me feel when I am on it. Very unclean, heavy feeling. Coming down, however, is the worst part. It has a very strong hangover and last for around 4 hours atleast. Anyone else had any experience with this?

Oooo-- yucka! Poor you!!! Never tried that drug-- but that is how I felt on generic Adderall. (But-- LOVE my Adderall XR)

Maybe you can try, try, try something else??

Good luck to you!!

~~Rachael :)

Focalin is methylphenidate, the same drug as in Ritalin, but it consists of only the "dex" version of the molecule - most formulations of methylphenidate consist of a racemic mix of the right and left handed versions (dex- and levo- methylphenidate HCL). Since the levo versions of most stimulants are far less active then the dex variety, 5mg of Focalin is equivalent to 10mg Ritalin.
How long have you been taking it? Have you taken more than 5mg, or is your doctor planning to increase it slowly, because 5mg isn't a lot, and it's unlikely that you are at a theraputic dose yet. Regular release Focalin might last for 4 hours in total, so I'm not sure why your "hangover" is lasting for four hours.
Keep in mind that the side effects are going to be worse at the beginning and should get better as time goes on - so you might find that the way it makes feel changes with time and dosage.