Focalin is not a potent ADD medication. The effects are very mind. And the XL version even more so. When I was very young I was put on staterra. It is a non-narcotic ADHD medication. I'm personally not too big on the idea of putting a child on a narcotic medication. It may calm your child down. But children are in development. Their brain. To grow up while being on medication can change brain chemistry adapting with the medicaiton. I was on a combo of meds since I was 5 to 15. When they switched my medications at 15, all hell broke lose. I'm now 21 and it took my brain 5 years to recover and heal itself. The problem was I grew up and matured with medications in my system from an early age. When the medications got switched it was a shock to my brain.
I have taken it for a year w/o side effects. Really helps me at work with staying on task and concentration. I recommend it
My children have been on Focalin XR for years now and have had wonderful results. Before this my son was on concerta and strattera together and it zoned him out, but the focalin allows him to focus and still be the same kid he always was. You can definately tell when the medicine has worn off, but when he is medicated he is his normal polite agreeable self and, just more focused. He is able to concentrate in class with no problems. He does take it twice a day, one 20mg in the morning and another at lunchtime at school. Hope this helps ease your mind about it.
Anybody have any info for me????