Focalin And Cardiac Issuses?

Anyone have a child with history of cardiac problems taking this medication?

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To the mom with the cardiac child and the focalin question --- my child is a high school teen, always been low normal ADHD, but by high school the classes were so hard, the homework SO OVERWHELMING, the days SO LONG, he finally ASKED for some help. We took him in and he was put on focalin. He has had 3 cardiac surgeries. We recently took him in to Stanford hospital and just to be certain it was ok - asked AGAIN, and was re-assured that while it wasn't known for certain ALL THE REASONS it was 100% safe, it has been used for quite some time in patients with cardiac defects (my son's are quite severe) and with no difficulties. He's been on it for a year now with extremely great success. He uses it on an as needed basis - for tests, for late study nights, etc. (But that is basically most of the time.) He doesn't take it in the summer, or on some low key school days. He seems fine doing it this way. He is prone to SOME anxiety in general and I DO notice it seems to up his anxiety...if he is anxious ANYWAY over a BIG MATH TEST (his most anxious subject.) That seems the only downfall - that, and the anorexia effect. (No appetite.) This kid used to eat nonstop. It definitely affects appetite. Total drag. (And makes it hard for them to sleep, if taken too late at night, or too close to bedtime....like, if he needs to take it to help him study.) There is a short acting focalin he sometimes takes to study. GOOD LUCK!

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Me too I'm Miami I have 2 prescriptions that I couldn't fillup for two months of 5 mg for the afternoon
I need it because very ADHD I get lethargic like I'm dead. They can't tell us what's going on with the medication. O take adderal xr in the morning but in the afternoon o have nothing
Adderal is the best choice for your kids if they can't get focalin even aderal xr the other ones don't work for sports. I'm confused why they are hiding the real reason
Adderal simple is better. For sports.

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The main cardiac issues associated with Focalin, and other similar stimulant medications, is accelerated heart rate, and elevated blood pressure, which their doctor should know to watch out for by having them come in for routine appointments while taking it.

Additionally, you should know that it isn't advisable for your child to take it with other stimulants, such as caffeine, nicotine, and etc.

The FDA warns that Focalin carries the risk of being habit forming, and may cause side effects, such as those mentioned by CAMom, others may include nausea, headache, irritability, and nervousness.

Ref: Focalin Information

Has a doctor prescribed this for your child?

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