Dexmethylphenidate (commercially known as Focalin) is a pharmaceutical drug used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is very similar to Ritalin, but it only contains the d-isomer of methylphenidate. It is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Dexmethylphenidate has approximately a 6-hour duration of effect. Arnold, L.E., et al. (2004). "A double-blind, placebo-controlled withdrawal trial of dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder". J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2004 Winter;14(4):542-54.

Dexmethylphenidate has a similar side-effect profile to d,l-methylphenidate Keating, G.M. & Figgitt, D.P. (2002). "Dexmethylphenidate". Drugs. 2002;62(13):1899-904; discussion 1905-8. and can be administered without regard to food intake. Teo, S.K., et al. (2004). "A Single-Dose, Two-Way Crossover, Bioequivalence Study of Dexmethylphenidate HCl with and without Food in Healthy Subjects". J Clin Pharmacol. 2004 Feb;44(2):173-8. Recently, it has become available in extended-release form, and has been shown to be as effective as d,l-methylphenidate, with flexible dosing and good tolerability. McGough J.J., Pataki C.S., Suddath R. (2005). "Dexmethylphenidate extended-release capsules for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder". Expert Rev Neurother. 2005 Jul;5(4):437-41. Silva, R., et al. (2004). "Open-Label Study of Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride in Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder". J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2004 Winter;14(4):555-63.

See also

• Methylphenidate
• Dexedrine
• Amphetamine
• Methamphetamine

References