Focalin is stimulant medication primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. The generic of the brand-name Focalin is dexmethylphenidate. The medication can become addictive if your child takes it for prolonged periods of time, or if he takes a larger dose than needed. Recognize the signs and symptoms of possible overdose to tell if your child has taken too much Focalin.
Step 1
Look at the pills your child takes and compare what you see on the medication with the dosage the doctor has prescribed. According to Northwest Behavioral Research Center, children usually take a certain amount of Focalin according to their weight and age, but doses generally start at 2.5 mg taken twice daily. A 2.5 mg tablet of the medication is blue and contains the inscription, D 25.
Focalin tablets or capsules that show different letters or numbers may be too high a dose for your child.
Step 2
Look at your child's face to determine if she has taken too much Focalin. MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, explains that skin flushing and a dilation of the pupils of the eyes can be signs of an overdose.
Step 3
Draw your child physically close to you to assess his heartbeat and other bodily reactions. If he has too much Focalin coursing through his system, he may display a rapid heartbeat, experience muscle twitching and sweating. A light touch of your hand on his chest can detect these abnormalities.
Step 4
Take your child's temperature. Drugs.com reports that a high fever can be a sign of too much Focalin.
Step 5
Keep a written record of your child's behavior since starting on the medication. If the medication is working correctly, you should most likely see positive changes in attention span and hyperactivity over time. Behavioral changes such as agitation, irritability, confusion and hallucinations may occur from higher-than-appropriate doses of Focalin.
Step 6
Ask your child how he feels after taking his medication. MedlinePlus explains that people who have too much dexmethylphenidate may feel headachy, nauseated or have a dry mouth Assuming your child is not sick with a virus, these symptoms could mean his Focalin dose needs to be adjusted down.
Things You'll Need
- Focalin
- Thermometer
- Journal
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