Focalin Overdose Side Effects

[Drugs_help]

Background:
My really good friend as gotten into taking ADHD medications . His little brother had a good bit of Focalin left over so he started taking it . He liked the way it made him alert , and a high feeling . So apparently this stuff can make you hallucinate . (did some research because i was worried) He always wanted to hallucinate some every half an hour he would take 10 mg of Focalin . As soon as he told me that i was scared he might have overdosed . Maybe that it was going to shut down his organs one by one until he died . So he started getting really worried when he started to lose control of his bladder . I want to help him and i can't unless i know whats happening . So if anyone can help me with this i would love it .
Questions:
how long does it take for overdose to kill you on this drug ?
How much is too much ?
Does Focalin make you lose control over your bladder ?
Does Focalin make you cold ?

[tschock]

What are the possible side effects of dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using dexmethylphenidate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

    dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, ringing in your ears, chest pain, numbness, seizure);
    fast or uneven heart rate;
    blurred vision or other visual changes;
    unusual behavior,...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Focalin »
What are the precautions when taking dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride (Focalin)?

Before taking dexmethylphenidate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to methylphenidate; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe anxiety/tension, heart/blood vessel disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat/rhythm, coronary artery disease, angina, heart failure, cardiomyopathy), problems with heart structure (e.g., valve problems), history of heart attack or stroke, certain eye problem (glaucoma), personal or family history of uncontrolled muscle movements (motor tics,...
SIDE EFFECTS: Trouble sleeping, nausea, stomach pain, headache, nervousness, loss of appetite, or weight loss may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: high fever, uncontrolled muscle movements (e.g., stiffness, twitching, shaking), mental/mood/behavior changes (e.g., agitation, aggression, mood swings, depression, hallucinations, abnormal thoughts/behavior), outbursts of words/sounds, severe sweating, swelling of the ankles/feet, extreme tiredness, blurred vision.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: shortness of breath, easy bleeding/bruising, fainting, sudden vision changes, chest/jaw/left arm pain, severe headache, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, signs of infection (fever, persistent sore throat), seizures, weakness, slurred speech, confusion.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

[tschock]

Could you tell his parents about this? Is there anyone that you can talk to about this? He needs to see a doctor.
He's going to mess himself up big time if he doesn't stop. Drugs are drugs...and you should NEVER take anything that is not prescribed for you.
How long does it take to overdose? It could take one pill. If your body does not require a drug then it can be very dangerous to take even one.
How much is too much? ONE is way too many if not prescribed for you.
Does it make you lose control of your bladder?
Every drug has side effects...and you never know how any drug may or may not affect you. Abusing any form of medication or alcohol can make your kidneys shut down, lose bowel/bladder control, etc.
Does it make you feel cold?
Any adverse reaction to a drug can make you feel that way. Organ damage can do that too...iron deficiency, etc.
Your friend needs some help before he totally ruins his life.
What a great friend you are! It takes more people like you to make this world better. For your friend's sake...please tell his parents or his doctor...anyone that is close enough to help.
They'll need to watch him closely...he'll need to come off of it slowly, and in a controlled environment. I doubt he'll be able to come off of it himself, at least safely. He is addicted, and he will have withdrawals.

Thank you for being such a good, caring friend. I'm sure he will appreciate this someday. Keep us posted please.