Dexmethylphenidate is the generic name of a central nervous system stimulant sold as Focalin. It is used in the medical treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Dexmethylphenidate is a prescriptionl medication available as a pill or capsule---Focalin XR---that may be administered in combination with a treatment program that includes psychological, educational and social components.
Serious Side Effects
Dexmethylphenidate may produce only a few known serious side effects in some people. Your doctor should be advised immediately if you experience any of these. According to the Mayo Clinic, the less common types of serious side effects include arrhythmia or an irregular heartbeat, a rapid heart rate called tachycardia or palpitations. Rare serious side effects may include problems making your eyes focus, blurry vision and changes in the way you see things that are distant or close. Other serious side effects for which the occurrence is unknown include unconsciousness that is sudden, convulsions and spasms in the muscles of the legs and arms.
Temporary Side Effects
As you begin treatment with dexmethylphenidate, several side effects may occur that most often do not require medical attention. These are temporary, tending to disappear as you become accustomed to the drug. The more common of these, the Mayo Clinic reports, include losing weight, acidic stomach, pain in the throat, pain or discomfort in your stomach, belching, heartburn or indigestion, appetite loss and nausea. Less common temporary side effects may include muscle twitching and insomnia.
Overdose Side Effects
Doses of dexmethylphenidate generally do not exceed 20 mg each day and may start lower, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you take more dexmethylphenidate than your doctor prescribes, you may have overdose side effects. Get to a hospital's emergency room for immediate help. Side effects from too much dexmethylphenidate include dry mouth, irritability, anxiety, hyperventilation, vision blurring, changes in mood, dilated pupils, unconsciousness, fainting, pain or discomfort in the chest, lightheadedness and mental confusion. Others are restlessness; hallucinations of the sensory, visual or auditory types; dizziness; seizures; paranoia; euphoria; tremors; shaking; nervousness; shortness of breath; skin redness; abnormal excitement; and vomiting, among many others.
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