User:Mr. Ibrahem/Dexmethylphenidate

Dexmethylphenidate, sold under the brand name Focalin among others, is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in those over the age of 5 years. If no benefit is seen after 4 weeks it is reasonable to discontinue its use. It is taken by mouth. The immediate release formulation lasts up to 5 hours while the extended release formulation lasts up to 12 hours.

Common side effects include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and fever. Serious side effects may include abuse, psychosis, sudden cardiac death, mania, anaphylaxis, seizures, and dangerously prolonged erection. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unclear. Dexmethylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. How it works in ADHD is unclear. It is the more active enantiomer of methylphenidate.

Dexmethylphenidate was approved for medical use in the United States in 2001. It is available as a generic medication. The wholesale cost of a month supply in the United States is about US$8. In 2017, it was the 189th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than three million prescriptions. It is also available in Switzerland.