Focalin, the brand name for the generic drug dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride, is a prescription stimulant used to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity, or ADHD, in adults and children over the age of 6, according to PDRHealth, a medical information website associated with the "Physicians' Desktop Reference." Before a child begins treatment with this medication, a parent or caregiver should discuss Focalin side effects in children with a doctor.
Delayed Growth
Children taking Focalin may experience delayed growth as a serious side effect of treatment, warns Novartis, the pharmaceutical manufacturer of this medication. The ue of Focalin during childhood can result in slow growth in height or poor weight gain in treated children. Children should be monitored by a doctor while taking Focalin to ensure growth delays are immediately detected and addressed.
Upset Stomach
In clinical trials for this medication, nearly 10 percent of children treated with Focalin reported becoming nauseous while receiving treatment, according to Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website. Additional stomach upset side effects can include stomach pain, decreased appetite and dry mouth in certain children. Eating a small snack before taking a dose of Focalin can help limit the severity or occurrence of stomach upset symptoms in treated children. If these side effects become worse or persist, affected children should receive further evaluation from a medical professional.
Headache
Approximately 25 percent of children reported headache side effects during clinical trials for Focalin, reports RxList, an online drug index. A child may complain that his head hurts or that he doesn't feel well during treatment. The severity of headache symptoms can vary, but use of an over-the-counter analgesic medication, such as acetaminophen, can help mitigate these symptoms.
Difficulty Sleeping
Focalin is a central nervous system stimulant that can interfere with a child's ability to fall asleep at night, explains Novartis. As a result, children taking this medication may be unable to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night due to sensations of restlessness. Parents and caregivers should observe how this medication affects their child's sleeping habits to determine the most appropriate time to administer a dose of Focalin.
Mood Changes
Unusual mood changes can arise in children during treatment with Focalin. A treated child can become unusually nervous or anxious, explains RxList, which can contribute to sleeping difficulties in certain children. These mood-related changes are temporary and may progressively subside with continued use of Focalin. Children who exhibit severe or sudden mood changes while taking Focalin should be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible.
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