HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For ADHD In A Child While On Focalin

default
Posted on Mon, 29 Aug 2016
Question: What is your suggestion for a child with ADHD. She's a very intelligent girl, but very hyper and can't focus without focalin. Also has impulse control when melds run out. She has been on 10 mg in am and about 10 and sometimes a half of 5, so like total of about 12 or so in afternoon since she was 5, less when younger. My question is at only 50 pounds would 10 or 20 focalin extended release be better for a 4th grader or worse? Some people say it doesn't last more than 5-6 hrs. Since school is from 8 am to 4 pm with bus ride, that would be a disaster? What is your experience with children on focalin extended release, bad or good?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Extended release tablet would be a good idea.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM for your health related doubts

Focalin is Dexmethylphenidate and belongs to amphetamines group of drugs. The drug is a mild stimulant drug and in regular preparations has the duration of action of about 4-6 hours. However long acting XR preparations have the duration of action of about 10-12 hours.

She is 9 and is already on about 12-15 mg dose and she is given dose in afternoon too, so in my opinion 10 mg XR dose would be a good idea. This drug dose would help to maintain her concentration in school and would also be more tolerable as compared to immediate release formulations.

Though personally I don't use Focalin but my experience with other extended release amphetamines in children is good. XR preparations reduces risk of tolerance, increase and maintain focus for long. So you should discuss with your doctor for the XR drug, that will be good for her.

Thanks. Take care.

I hope this helps. If you have more doubts please ask again.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Psychiatrist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Suggest Treatment For ADHD In A Child While On Focalin

Brief Answer: Extended release tablet would be a good idea. Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for asking from HCM for your health related doubts Focalin is Dexmethylphenidate and belongs to amphetamines group of drugs. The drug is a mild stimulant drug and in regular preparations has the duration of action of about 4-6 hours. However long acting XR preparations have the duration of action of about 10-12 hours. She is 9 and is already on about 12-15 mg dose and she is given dose in afternoon too, so in my opinion 10 mg XR dose would be a good idea. This drug dose would help to maintain her concentration in school and would also be more tolerable as compared to immediate release formulations. Though personally I don't use Focalin but my experience with other extended release amphetamines in children is good. XR preparations reduces risk of tolerance, increase and maintain focus for long. So you should discuss with your doctor for the XR drug, that will be good for her. Thanks. Take care. I hope this helps. If you have more doubts please ask again.