Children older than age 6 who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, may be prescribed Focalin by a doctor to help manage their symptoms. The active ingredient in Focalin--dexmethylphenidate--is a central nervous system stimulant that works by regulating chemical levels within the brain. Parents and caregivers should talk with a doctor if they have any questions regarding potential Focalin side effects for children with ADHD.
Growth Suppression
Use of Focalin to treat children with ADHD can cause growth suppression in these patients. In clinical trials, long-term treatment of children resulted in decreased height and weight. On average, children who took this medication for 36 months were 2 cm shorter and weighed 2.7 kg less than untreated children, explain health professionals with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A doctor should continually monitor any child taking Focalin to ensure appropriate growth milestones are met.
Nervousness or Difficulty Sleeping
Children with ADHD who take Focalin can experience unusual nervousness, jitteriness or difficulty sleeping as side effects of treatment, warns MedlinePlus. A parent or caregiver can notice that his child appears fidgety or is unable to sit still during mealtimes. Difficulty sleeping can increase a child's daytime fatigue, which can contribute to poor concentration in school.
Upset Stomach
After taking a dose of Focalin, certain children can develop upset stomach side effects. Health professionals with PDRHealth explain that these stomach-related side effects can include stomach pain and nausea. Upset stomach symptoms can also contribute to a decreased appetite in certain children. A parent or caregiver can limit the development of these Focalin side effects by providing her child with a small snack or meal before administering treatment.
Dizziness or Headache
Episodes of headache or dizziness can arise in children with ADHD who take Focalin, report health professionals with Drugs.com. Headache symptoms can be uncomfortable and can contribute to decreased attention in certain children. Sensations of dizziness can cause confusion, disorientation or unsteadiness in children with ADHD. A child who becomes dizzy after taking this medication should remain seated until the sensation passes in order to avoid injury from falling down.
Sudden Death
Rarely, sudden death has been reported in children taking central nervous system stimulants, such as Focalin, warn health professionals with the FDA. The risk of sudden death is highest in children with ADHD who have preexisting heart-related medical conditions. Any cardiac problems should be reported to and discussed with a child's doctor before beginning treatment with Focalin.
Dependence
Treatment with Focalin can be habit-forming in certain children with ADHD, explain MedlinePlus medical experts. This medication should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor to limit the risk of dependence.
