How long does Focalin last

[BrightShadow]

Hey, I just got a new perscription of Focalin. I have had this before, however its been a couple years (I really didn't like the stimulant effect, and I would try strattera except since it takes a while I don't want to do it right now) and I don't remember how long it lasts... I have a feeling its about 4 hours but I'm not sure. Just now I went looking on the web and saw they had Focalin XR. I wish my doc had told me otherwise I probably would have gotten those. Does anyone have (of course someone has *slaps forehead*) experiance with Focalin and then switched to Focalin XR?

This is only my second post recently after having been gone after just joining for a couple years. Glad to see it all still looks the same!

-Bright Shadow

[BrightShadow]

Well I both realized though taking it, and eventually I found its supposed to last aprox 4 hours... I am supprize though that nobody answer my post *scratches head* oh well... I still love you guys even if its not reciprocated!
-Bright Shadow

[jerry83]

Don't feel upset. From what I know Focalin is very new (or is it just the XR?), so maybe that's why not many people have taken it/responded to you.

[Hyperion]

I do not have experience with Focalin, I think Jerry is right about why there aren't a lot of posts on it.

I would think, from a chemical perspective, that it should be somewhat similar to methylphenidate (Ritalin), except that one would want to use a smaller dose. Focalin is to Ritalin roughly the same as Adderall is to Dexedrine. You should probably call your doctor's office, or the pharmacy, or if it is late at night, you can always call poison control. They can look up definitive numbers on correct dosage and timing.

In the meantime, this chart:
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/107/108528.htm

From Webmd.com, which may or may not be accurate, I do not know, lists Focalin as short-acting, 3-4 hours, which makes sense. It also lists the dosage as twice that of Ritalin, which also makes sense since Ritalin is half dexmethylphenidate.

Still, I am not a physician, this is not medical advice. Call someone who actually has a relevant degree (and malpractice insurance) before doing anything.

[Nurgle]

I take the Focalin XR, which has a release lag of 4 hours. In my experience, this lag is too long. But, when once upon a time I took Ritalin, I metabolized the hell out of it as well, and a dose only lasted me about two-and-a-half to three hours.

My solution was to have my Dr. split my XR dose into two smaller XR pills; I take my first dose, then take the second dose two hours later.

Another thing, is that we talked over and discussed my feelings that Adderall was a far better focusing med for me, but put me straight to sleep. Focalin was giving me energy and drive (also severely lacking in my life, as I'm an inattentive type) but only a bit of focus. So, we added in a bit of Adderall. Between the two meds I've come to a nice balance. BUT one of the interesting side effects of adding the Adderall (snort, is that phrase making anyone else giggle a bit?) is that it seems to smooth out the Focalin a LOT. I only need to take all the XR pills in the morning now, rather than spreading them out. Although, now I get a bit jittery at the release times instead.

Pft.

Was that any help?

[Matt S.]

Ummm I am afraid that I must correct the whole Focalin is to ritalin as Adderall is to Dexedrine theory because focalin is the dextro to methylphenidate (hence the name Dexmethylphenidate) and ritalin is DL-methylphenidate or the racemic mixture of salts and dextroamphetamine is dexedrine whereas Adderall (formerly known as Obetrol) is a combo of 4 amphetamine salts 2 Dextro salts and two of the older amphetamine sulfate salts (not clear to the tee because adderall is garbage as a medicine in my opinion) the correct way to put that statement is Focalin is to ritalin as Dexedrine is to Benzedrine (regular old amphetamine sulfate) I dont mean to be a P#$ck about that but I think dexedrine is the best adhd med and as far as age and what the doctor prefers to prescribe is that statement true...

[toastermax]

I have had bad side effects from taking ADDXR and zero good effects, should i consider Focalin XR? how different are the effects?

[Lisa1]

Hello my name is lisa an my 9 year old takes foclinxr for school and they say it's supposed to last all day but it doesn't I see a change by like 2 in the afternoo and the teacher says she's more lively in the afternoon so It seems to only last 5 hours or so

[BMONEY]

10 to 14 hours from Scatterd Minds by Dr Lenard Adler

[netsavy006]

Focalin XR is ment to last I believe 8 - 12 hours.

[netsavy006]

Focalin IR is 4 - 6 hrs. I belive.

[Darksanity]

How can Focalin last 4-6 hours when normal Ritalin lasts about 1h30?...

[netsavy006]

Focalin is a modified form of ritalin so it works a little differently. If you consider a left hand and right hand, Focalin only has the left hand portion of ritalin, while ritalin is both hands...

[netsavy006]

I've never heard of ritalin lasting that short!

[62vetteefp]

ritalin last 3-4 hours

Focalin is 3-4

per ADD warehouse