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Dexmethylphenidate ER online prescription
Dexmethylphenidate ER (also sold as Focalin XR) is an extended-release stimulant medication used to treat ADHD in children and adults. In a 5-week study, 20 to 40 milligrams of dexmethylphenidate XR a day reduced ADHD symptoms 36 to 46% in adults.
Is dexmethylphenidate ER right for your ADHD symptoms? Find out by talking to an ADHD expert on Klarity Health in as little as 24 hours.*
Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Paul Hetrick, PharmD
What is dexmethylphenidate ER?
Dexmethylphenidate ER is also called dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride. It’s the generic for, and active ingredient in, Focalin XR, a stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults.
Dexmethylphenidate ER is an extended-release medication. The brand name version, Focalin XR was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005; generic dexmethylphenidate ER in 2013.
Dexmethylphenidate ER’s active ingredient is dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride, which is a refined version of methylphenidate, the active ingredient in other stimulants like Ritalin, Daytrana, and Quillivant XR.
Dexmethylphenidate is a targeted, purified version of methylphenidate. It delivers just the most effective part of methylphenidate, which may make dexmethylphenidate ER work better and cause fewer side effects than methylphenidate-based medications for some people.
How does dexmethylphenidate ER work for ADHD?
Dexmethylphenidate ER works by targeting the brain’s dopamine and norepinephrine pathways. These neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that play an important role in regulating attention, impulse control, and overall cognitive function. Dexmethylphenidate ER blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine into neurons (brain cells), which makes more of it available in the brain to help control hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve focus.
Dexmethylphenidate ER and Focalin XR are extended-release formulations. They’re capsules that contain both immediate and delayed-release beads. The immediate-release beads provide symptom management quickly. The delayed-release beads provide a steady release of dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride throughout the day to help manage symptoms from morning through evening.
Dexmethylphenidate ER usually starts working within 30 minutes of being taken.
Its effects can last up to 12 hours.
Who can take dexmethylphenidate ER?
Dexmethylphenidate ER is FDA-approved for individuals 6 years and older who’ve been diagnosed with ADHD.
It’s important to consult with a licensed provider who can determine if dexmethylphenidate ER or another ADHD medication, if any, is right for you.
How to get a dexmethylphenidate ER prescription online
The first step in getting a prescription for dexmethylphenidate ER is to consult with a licensed, board-certified healthcare provider experienced in treating ADHD. This can include physician assistants (PA), nurse practitioners (NP), primary care providers (PCP and MD), psychiatrists (MD), and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNP).
Scheduling a consultation to discuss an ADHD treatment plan that may include dexmethylphenidate ER is easy and convenient on Klarity Health. A compassionate provider specialized in ADHD treatment will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and needs to determine if dexmethylphenidate ER, ADHD therapy, or a combination of both is right for you. If both medication and therapy are recommended, you’ll work with different providers for each.
If your provider determines that dexmethylphenidate ER is a medically necessary part of your treatment plan, they can send the prescription to your preferred pharmacy, whether online or local.
Dexmethylphenidate ER dosages and how to use it
Both dexmethylphenidate ER and Focalin ER are available in 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-, 35- and 40-milligram capsules.
The initial dose of dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride ER or Focalin XR for adults just starting to take it is 10 milligrams taken orally once a day. It should be taken in the morning and can be taken with or without food.
Adults switching from methylphenidate immediate release to dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride ER or Focalin XR start with a half dose of dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride ER and a half dose of methylphenidate.
Adults switching from immediate-release dexmethylphenidate can simply move to the same dose of dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride ER once a day.
If you have trouble swallowing capsules, use the sprinkle method to take dexmethylphenidate ER. Open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a small amount of applesauce, pudding, or similar food. Swallow the entire mixture immediately without chewing. Be sure to swallow the beads whole. And don’t store the mixture. Discard it if you don’t take it right away.
If your provider determines your dose of dexmethylphenidate ER or Focalin XR needs to be increased, they’ll have you add 10 milligrams a day for a week until you reach your ideal maintenance dose. The maximum dose for adults is 40 milligrams a day.
If you need to discontinue dexmethylphenidate ER or Focalin XR, your provider will have you gradually decrease your daily dosage in weekly increments to help prevent withdrawal symptoms, which can include fatigue, decreased appetite, insomnia, and depression.
Dexmethylphenidate ER side effects and warnings
Like all medications, dexmethylphenidate ER can cause side effects, but they’re often mild and may improve with time. Common side effects of dexmethylphenidate ER and Focalin XR include dry mouth, decreased appetite, indigestion, headache, anxiety, and sore throat.
Rare but serious side effects when taking dexmethylphenidate ER include heart problems, increased blood pressure, psychosis, circulation problems in fingers and toes, and prolonged and painful erections (priapism).
Both dexmethylphenidate ER and Focalin XR are controlled substances and have an FDA-boxed warning for the risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction. If you have a history of substance use disorder (SUD), discuss the risks versus benefits of taking either medication with your provider.
And if you take dexmethylphenidate ER and have any negative side effects, work with your provider and consider reporting side effects to the FDA by visiting MedWatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
What does dexmethylphenidate ER cost?
The costs of 100 capsules of dexmethylphenidate ER on drugs.com and with its discount are:
– 5 milligrams: $258.50
– 10 milligrams: $360.00
– 15 milligrams: $468.72
– 20 milligrams: $338.68
– 25 milligrams: $329.99
– 30 milligrams: $377.81
– 35 milligrams: $329.99
– 40 milligrams: $581.30
The costs listed for 100 capsules of brand-name Focalin XR drugs.com with its discount are:
– 5 milligrams: $527.33
– 10 milligrams: $535.00
– 15 milligrams: $549.91
– 20 milligrams: $549.91
– 25 milligrams: $576.95
– 30 milligrams: $530.09
– 35 milligrams: $605.34
– 40 milligrams: $605.34
Your insurance plan may or may not cover brand-name Focalin, but many cover generic dexmethylphenidate. And with or without insurance, you can save 3 to 80% by using a prescription or drug discount card from SingleCareRx, drugs.com, NeedyMeds, GoodRx, WellRx, and similar sites.
How does dexmethylphenidate ER compare to other ADHD medications?
Dexmethylphenidate ER belongs to the central nervous system (CNS) stimulant class, like Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate), which are both approved to treat ADHD. Many CNS stimulants are proven effective and used as a first-line ADHD treatment.
Because dexmethylphenidate ER contains a more refined version of methylphenidate, it’s considered twice as strong as Ritalin and other methylphenidate-based medications in a milligram-to-milligram comparison. This means that, for some, it is more effective at managing symptoms at lower doses and may cause fewer side effects.
Non-stimulant medication options FDA-approved to treat ADHD include Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). They’re selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs) and work differently than stimulants. They don’t affect dopamine release. Instead, they prevent serotonin and norepinephrine from being reabsorbed into neurons. Higher levels of serotonin and norepinephrine are associated with reduced hyperactivity, better concentration, and improved impulse control.
Stimulants, like dexmethylphenidate ER, Focalin, Adderall, and Ritalin, can cause side effects, including insomnia, reduced appetite, nausea, increased heart rate, and irritability. They’re also controlled substances and can lead to misuse, abuse, and dependency.
NRIs may have fewer side effects than stimulants. And, because they aren’t controlled substances, they don’t lead to abuse, misuse, or addiction. This may make them a better alternative for someone with a substance use disorder.
Side effects of Strattera and Qelbree can include decreased appetite, nausea, fatigue, irritability, dry mouth, insomnia, and headache.
The best way to determine which ADHD medication is right for you is to see a licensed provider experienced with ADHD treatment who can tailor treatment to your unique needs.
Learn more about how dexmethylphenidate ER compares to other ADHD medications:
Stimulant vs non-stimulant ADHD meds
With Klarity Health, you’re in good company
Reviews from real patients who received care from providers on Klarity Health.
How Klarity Health works
Choose the right provider for you
Providers on Klarity Health are licensed, board-certified, and offer a personalized approach to your unique online ADHD treatment needs. See detailed profiles for each provider and find an approach that’s best for you. (Costs for treatment options may vary.)
Have your initial patient visit
Your journey to reduced ADHD symptoms starts with an initial consultation. Your provider will work with you to recommend the right program for you and that may or may not include prescription medication and/or therapy.
Work with your provider on your progress
Your initial ADHD consultation is just the beginning. You and your provider will follow up to make sure you’re doing okay and are reaching your goals. You stay on track with ongoing support from your provider(s) and medication refills if needed.
Access 24×7 support from Klarity Health
If you have questions or need assistance, the friendly Klarity Health Patient Support team is there to help. Along with your provider, they’re committed to making sure you have the best care and support throughout treatment.
FAQs about dexmethylphenidate ER
Learn more about dexmethylphenidate ER, Focalin, and ADHD medications
Dexmethylphenidate ER and Focalin articles
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances, like Dexmethylphenidate ER, Focalin, Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, and others, may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.
All professional services are provided by independent private practices via the Klarity technology platform. Klarity Health, Inc. does not provide medical services.
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All professional services are provided by independent private practices via the Klarity technology platform. Klarity Health, Inc. does not provide medical services.
Phone:
PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063
100 Broadway Street, Redwood City CA, 94063
If you’re having an emergency or in emotional distress, here are some resources for immediate help: Emergency: Call 911. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: call or text 988. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
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