My daughter was only on it for four day's. We put her on it after a trial of vyvanse and it made her so hyper she said she couldn't calm down. It was like she was on a super speed motor.

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Our 9 year old was on Focalin XR for about 9 months. It seemed to work well. Quick to take effect in the morning and he was doing well at school. We started to see evidence that it was wearing off way too quickly. It was supposed to last 12 hours. Well, we found that it was only lasting about 7 which meant that homework was very difficult. We met with our doctor who told us that our son's experience was not that unusual. We had the choice of using a "kicker" dose of immediate release Focalin in the afternoon or changing to another med. We chose to change to Daytrana.

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After working through several non-stim drugs for my adult ADD, I started on Focalin about a year ago. The XR was great, but I wanted more control so I switched to fast acting, 2/day. This gives me the option to not take the 2nd pill if I don't feel I need it and saves $$ in the long run. My ADD problems are centered around my executive function portion of the brain, so Focalin appears to be perfect for me. The only side affect I seem to have is the noticeable difference in my thoughts & actions when I DONT take it.

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My 10 year old recently diagnosed ADD/Inattentive daughter took Focalin XR for the first time today. Within two hours she was compalining of severe stomach pain, nausea and cramping. She also said that her "heart was going really fast." All this while crying and sobbing. I could see the sadness, pain and anxiety in her eyes. :(

We've tried Vyvanse, which worked really well for about two weeks before all the aforementioned symptoms started, along with pronounced weight loss. Her doctor switched her to Daytrana patches, which brought along the same symptoms without the benefit. We let her eat things she likes to get her to eat, plus we make her drink the nutrional shakes. My wife and I are at wit's end. We will ask her pedi to refer us to a specialist. We are not sure if she should just take her meds and bite the bullet to see if the side effects will subside in time, but she is thin to begin with and the pain appears to be sharp, acute and intolerable. Please anyone, any thoughts/suggestions?

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My teenage son took the short acting Focalin in the afternoons or early evening, particularly when he had a baseball game. He was a pitcher and the Focalin helped him a lot. Once, he even told the coach that he couldn't pitch (and he loves to pitch) because he forgot to take his medicine. He had no problems with the medication.

Elaine

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Fred, have you tried Adderall at all? My son has been on it for a few years and seems to take it well. He is under weight but me and my husband were not big people when we were that old.

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So far my 5 year old is doing well on the 2.5 mg 2x per day... The only side effects are sleep at night.. and he is starving... so I am feeding him a lot....

I have seen a huge improvement with his focus... its great to see him so happy since he recognizes the change too..

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