Has anyone tried the Focalin XR single-dose ADHD medication for adults. It is produced by Novartis and is the stimulant Methylphenidate, usually taken as a single morning dose. It is supposedly well tolerated. It is the first methylphenidate approved for adult ADHD patients.

I have taken it.

It's similar to Ritalin or Concerta, with possibly less side effects.

Are you asking because of the write-up in yesterday's USA Weekend magazine by chance?

Yes, I did see it in the USA Weekend magazine and hadn't heard about the med until I read the article. I am currently taking Strattera, but I don't feel that it is giving me the desired results and may eventually have to try some other med, probably a stimulant if things don't improve.

Yes, I read that too. The "revolutionary" new drug thing caught my eye. I don't think Focalin is exactly revolutionary, it's a reformulation of methylphenidate, and it has an approval for 'adult ADHD'. I don't know why that matters, children are regularly prescribed Focalin, and adults are prescribed Ritalin. Maybe some insurance companies care about that designation, but mine doesn't.

I mean like it, but it doesn't seem that different from Concerta, maybe a little smoother in its side effects.

I like the focalin xr better than concerta. Even though it doesn't last as long, I don't get depressed from it. Just the occasional rebound headache / hyperactivity. It does help me get things done. :)

Cyndi

I've been on it for 3 weeks now. My patience levels are improving as well as getting stuff done. At first, the side effects I had were a slight headache, jitters, and got really sleepy when it wore off. Now I have none of that. I can tell when it kicks in, but not when it wears off anymore. My son (11) is also on FocalinXR and is doing well too.

What duration of action are you guys getting out of Focalin XR?

I get 6-7 hours out of it. My son gets about the same. I've started taking another 10 mg between 1-2:00 in the afternoon and it gets me through till bedtime. I have no problems sleeping, but my son does. He's always been tough to get to bed, though.

My daughter is on 35mg of the Focalin XR (she takes multiple pills it only comes in 5, 10 & 20 mg) She was on Concerta before and was having problems with dosage (she was on 104 mg and it was not enough). When she first moved to the Focalin XR, she did not like it as much, but they added the 5mg tab and she is doing fine. she takes a short-acting tablet in the PM for rebound and homework focus. She only gets about 6 hrs out of her dose.