Focalin can you get high

Focalin works similarly to Adderall by blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters called norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Norepinephrine increases heart rate and blood pumping from the heart.

Together with adrenaline, it also increases blood pressure and blood sugar levels to increase energy. Dopamine plays a role in controlling movement and emotional responses and is vital for both physical and mental well-being.

The main ingredient in Focalin, Dexmethylphenidate, belongs to a class of drugs called stimulants. This compound causes an increased ability to pay attention, stay focused, and control behavior. Focalin is also given to people with ADHD because it can help them organize their tasks and improve listening skills. The extended-release versions of Focalin, also known as Focalin XR, vary in color depending on the dosages.

For instance, the 2. Yes, Focalin is addictive. Studies suggest that Focalin is better for treating children and adolescents while Adderall is better for treating adults with ADHD. Both drugs are available in immediate-release and extended-release versions. Consult your healthcare provider for the best treatment option for you.

There may be a risk of birth defects with the use of Focalin or Adderall while pregnant. Stimulants should only be used if the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Not enough information is known about the risk of adverse effects while taking stimulants during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider before using Focalin or Adderall while pregnant. It is not generally recommended to drink alcohol while taking Focalin or Adderall. Consuming alcohol while on a stimulant can increase the risk of side effects, especially those on the heart.

Combining alcohol and stimulants can also increase the risk of abuse, dependence, and overdose. The potency of a stimulant depends on the dosage prescribed, other drugs you may be taking, and your overall condition. Adderall is a stimulant medication that contains a combination of amphetamine salts. Other short-acting stimulant medications that treat ADHD include:. Focalin is a CNS stimulant. Focalin may be prescribed to help improve focus and alertness in those with ADHD. Because of its stimulant effects, it may also promote wakefulness.

However, it is not FDA approved to treat sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy. Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug. Focalin vs. Adderall: Differences, similarities, and which one is better for you. By Gerardo Sison, Pharm. Updated on May. Want the best price on Focalin? Want the best price on Adderall? Top Reads in Drug vs. Toujeo vs Lantus: Main Differences and S Dulera vs Advair: Main Differences and S Suboxone vs Methadone: Main Differences Looking for a prescription?

Search now! Type your drug name. Initially, 2. Doses should be taken 4 hours apart with or without food. Doses can be increased by 2. Children 3 to 5 years old: 2. Dosage may be increased by 2. Adults and children 6 years and older: 5 mg once or twice daily. Dexmethylphenidate was approved for medical use in the US in Although currently this drug is not identified as a narcotic, it is strictly controlled by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration DEA and is assigned the status of a Schedule II substance , which means the drug has a high potential for abuse, and may lead to severe psychological and physical dependence.

The use of Dexmethylphenidate requires a prescription. The exact information on how exactly taking this medication helps treat the symptoms of ADHD is not well known. However, It is surmised that the Focalin mechanism of action underlying the pathophysiology of ADHD is related to the inadequate production of Norepinephrine and Dopamine in the prefrontal cortex.

Dexmethylphenidate is prescribed as an off-label, second-line treatment for narcolepsy in adults. Narcolepsy is a chronic disorder of the sleep-wake control mechanisms within the brain that interferes with both daytime wakefulness and nighttime sleep, causing constant drowsiness.

Dexmethylphenidate for adults with narcolepsy supposedly provides help due to its brain stimulant properties. Even though Off-label usage refers to the use of pharmaceutical drugs for an unapproved indication or in an unapproved age group, dosage, or route of administration, it is important to remember that healthcare providers imply this treatment option to achieve positive therapeutic responses and help people in unique circumstances.

Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride is the form of Focalin Generic as well as the active ingredient. Focalin and Focalin XR extended-release both contain Dexmethylphenidate. The main difference between these two agents is the dosing regimen with which people have to use these medications. This medication is short-acting and begins to work in 30—60 minutes after administration. The quick onset of action is a major advantage of Focalin medication, but the major drawback is its short duration of action of 2—5 hours which requires that the drug be taken two to three times per day.

Focalin XR offers similar benefits to therapy, but with an added benefit of a prolonged duration of action that allows a once-a-day dosing regimen. For example, instead of taking IR Dexmethylphenidate 2. This was demonstrated in a survey by Bright and Delphia which evaluated the abuse potential of prescription stimulants among patients with ADHD. Focalin dosage is unique to each patient and is individualized based on their clinical response to therapy and treatment-associated side effects.

Furthermore, the dosing for Focalin medication is different between adults and pediatric patients. Furthermore, it is not recommended to alter the amount or the frequency with which Focalin ADHD medication is taken without first consulting the prescribing physician.

As previously mentioned, Dexmethylphenidate works in the central nervous system to increase the availability of two catecholamines, Dopamine and Norepinephrine, by promoting their release from neurons and preventing their reuptake. This effect is particularly potent for the Dopaminergic neurons projecting from the ventral tegmental area VTA in the midbrain to the cerebral cortex and the limbic areas. Thus, although extensive literature indicates both the short-term and longer-term effectiveness and tolerability of the stimulants such as Focalin medication in the treatment of ADHD, there are also significant long-standing preclinical and public health studies that highlight the liability for abuse and ultimately the development of dependence Focalin addiction to the same stimulants used in the treatment of ADHD.

These considerations may force patients to look for alternatives to Dexmethylphenidate. The number one reason that lies behind the high rates of Focalin addiction is its wide availability. Furthermore, ignorance also has a role to play in the frequency of misuse and the development of Focalin addiction.