Focalin XR and Irritability: What Users Say

• Mr ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 10, 2014

For ADHD "Let me explain what can go wrong here and what you may want to speak with your doctor about. Focalin XR's effect is much, much, much stronger than Concerta or Ritalin. This is very important to understand, so if you are thinking of switching to Focalin XR from another medication, do not go to a similar strength. I was on Concerta 54mg and went to Focalin XR 40mg. This was a scary experience. I got dizzy, almost passed out, and couldn't tell you what 1+1 was. It was horrible, to say the least. I discontinued the Focalin and tried Adderall. That made me grumpy and sick. I did research and found out about Focalin's potency. I am now on Focalin XR 15mg and doing awesome."

• Anonymous
• April 12, 2009

For ADHD "My daughter started this medication about 3 months ago. Her grades and reading levels have soared, and we don't have as much trouble getting her to concentrate on homework, but when it comes time for bed, she's a handful and irritable still when confronted with certain tasks to be done, like chores. I am not going to consider another medication on top of this but will instead consider a behavior intervention."

• 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."

• Rat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 16, 2019

For ADHD "I took this medicine, it made me have suicidal thoughts. It is awful. It made me irritable, and I could not get sleep. This medicine tore up my stomach, every time I ate, I would throw up. I just got tired of this medication. I wouldn't take this medication."