Focalin XR and Anger: What Users Say

• KRA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2012

For ADHD "I am a 60-year-old male with ADHD, who would have ever thought it? I started using Focalin IR 5 mg after cutting it into four (4) pieces. I would take one-quarter piece every three hours. It took me from being nonproductive to productive again with very few side effects. I am now taking Focalin XR, 10 mg in the morning and 5 mg 6 hours later in the afternoon. I think my ideal dose will end up at 15 mg in the morning and 10 mg in the afternoon to reach the optimal dose. The only side effects have been heartburn, a slight headache, and being a little jittery with an occasional outburst of anger. I can handle the side effects, which have subsided somewhat, to get the wonderful effects of this medication! ALIVE AGAIN AT 60 years old!"

• Cam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2013

For ADHD "Our son has been on Focalin XR for about 3 months. He was on regular Focalin for 2 months prior to the XR, but because the medication would wear off so quickly, it was like he was on an emotional roller coaster. The XR has been better for those reasons. I still struggle with having my son on medication and the fact that his appetite is so little while on the medicine. But I'm happy to report he's doing well in school and cooperating. I don't like that he seems so serious when he's on the medicine because I don't want a little robot. But I can't have my son be so impulsive and unsafe. I also don't like that the medication wears off right around the time he gets home and he tantrums and acts terrible and all I do is correct behavior."

• Dsf...
• August 21, 2012

For ADHD "My son started Focalin 5 mg when he was first diagnosed with ADHD. He was six at that time. While he did seem to be a bit more focused, the mood swings were VERY significant. He became volatile, reacting with violent outbursts and temper tantrums at the slightest provocation. After a while, his attention span declined, but his mood swings did not. His teacher noted that, even on medication, he was still having problems staying focused and on task. Upping the dosage would only have made his withdrawal worse, according to his pediatrician. I have known other children on Focalin who have had similar experiences with the medication. After six months (giving his body time to 'adjust' to the medication), we took him off. Trying Concerta."

• MTa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 17, 2020

For ADHD "I've tried almost every single ADHD pill from Adderall to Daytrana to Ritalin to Vyvanse to Concerta. Focalin is by far the best for me. I am on the 10 mg dose. Was originally on 30 mg, but my heart was beating way too fast on it. The other meds made me very angry, but this keeps me at bay, yet focused. The only con I have with this is about an hour after I take it, I have a bowel movement. I'm also the same way with coffee. I don't take it every day, and on the days where I don't, I can definitely tell, but I don't have cravings."

• jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2023

For ADHD "Horrible! The first few days of taking it, I noticed a stark contrast in my behavior. I started feeling more irritable, anxious, nervous, and aggressive. It didn't treat any of the symptoms of my disorder and only exacerbated the symptoms associated with my anxiety and bipolar I diagnosis. If you have one or more mood disorders, I wouldn't recommend trying Focalin."

• Dre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 22, 2018

For ADHD "18 y/o daughter, 100 lbs, prescribed starting dose of 20 mg daily by primary care doctor. She went nearly out of her mind and out of control immediately. Anger, crying uncontrollably, inability to process, absolutely like she was on crack. Previously on another ADHD medication without these effects. Four days in, we took her off, and she returned to sanity. This scared both her and us. It appears she was prescribed four times the starting dose considering her size, and it is capsules that cannot be split. An epic fail."

• A M...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 30, 2022

For ADHD "Became addictive and caused multiple side effects, including anger. My 9-year-old was on it for over a year. I finally took him off it without telling anyone. A little bit of withdrawal for 2 weeks, nothing too bad. He has been off it all summer, doing FANTASTIC!"

• Tra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 24, 2022

For ADHD "OK, so maybe you will have someone trying to discredit this, but anyway, my son has been taking this stuff, and for 4 years, his mood is crazy. At first, a little anger at 5 years old, now 4 years later, he is much worse. He lost his want and need to eat and doesn't care about anything. He can't stay still, makes crazy faces. Don't give your child any of these drugs from them doctors, it's all a lie. Just look at the reviews and look at the side effects. Watch your kids, please. With all my heart, I say parents, y'all know best, not a person with a title. I'm sending love and strength to all. Question everything, please watch your kids."