When used as directed, methylphenidate can provide a person greater focus for a short period of time and even help control appetite in people who are dangerously obese. Because it is stronger than caffeine but not as strong as amphetamines, methylphenidate can be abused by those who take it recreationally usually by snorting it or injecting it into a vein. Students have been known to use methylphenidate to stay up late to study for exams. It is a practice that can lead to addiction, a problem which often requires treatment at a drug rehabilitation center.
The length of time that methylphenidate is detectable in the body is dependent on several variables, including which type of drug test is being used and which formulation of the drug is being taken. There are both immediate-release and extended-release forms of methylphenidate on the market, the latter of which remains in the body longer. Methylphenidate has a relatively short half-life 1 to 4 hours and doesn't have the tendency to accumulate in cells the way that some other drugs do.
The causes of these variations may include a person's metabolism, body mass index BMI , age, health status, and kidney function. As such, it is nearly impossible to determine the exact time by which methylphenidate will no longer register a negative result on a drug screen. The following provides an estimate of the detection window based on the various drug screening methods:.
Blood-based screens are not commonly used in cases for recreational drug use because of the speed by which methylphenidate is excreted from the body. If abuse is suspected, a urine or saliva test can confirm current use as well as estimate drug levels in the body while a hair follicle sample can offer evidence of recent use.
Blood-based tests are mainly used to determine if a person taking the drug for medical reasons is being prescribed the proper dosage. This allows time for the blood concentration levels to peak. Based on the findings, a doctor can decide if the dosage needs adjusting to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. National Library of Medicine. Revised July 15, If a patient received a positive result in a Focalin drug test, different metrics will be used to verify the positive result.
If it is a false-positive, using the different metrics will show that the result is not amphetamine or methamphetamine. Moreover, a panel drug test screens for the most frequently misused prescription drugs in the US, which includes Dexmethylphenidate.
So, if a patient is taking any medications, it is recommended to list them on the intake form before proceeding to the drug screening. The time for the two forms of Dexmethylphenidate to stay in the system differs and the time they last in the body is affected by different factors aside from the metabolism of a patient.
Knowing the factors that affect how long this medicine or any other medications alternative to Focalin stay in the system is very important during drug treatment. Avoiding foods that can alter the effects of the medication will help a patient optimize the use of the drug. However, those who present with signs and symptoms of CNS overstimulation due to excessive sympathomimetic effects should take measures to speed up metabolism and excretion of the medication faster.
Moreover, the goal is not only faster removal but is also about safe removal of the drug from the system. People abusing this or any other stimulant medications may require specific measures to flush the medication from the body. One of the safest options is the detoxification procedure in the substance addiction recovery center.
The qualified medical specialists will work out the treatment plan for drug abuse that will meet all the individual requirements of each patient.
Isaak Stotts is an in-house medical writer in AddictionResource. After graduation, he became a substance abuse counselor, providing individual, group, and family counseling for those who strive to achieve and maintain sobriety and recovery goals.
He has a particular interest in psychopharmacology, nutritional psychiatry, and alternative treatment options involving particular vitamins, dietary supplements, and administering auricular acupuncture. AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers. Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions. Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare.
AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data. The Verified badge on our articles is a trusted sign of the most comprehensive scientifically-based medical content. Abuse of stimulants like Focalin is not uncommon; therefore, anyone taking this drug should be aware of its risks. In the world of pharmacology, healthcare providers view Focalin as a mild central nervous system stimulant.
This may be because Adderall is available in a wider array of dosing options. Both of these drugs, however, have a risk of abuse and dependency. Because of its risk for abuse and addiction, the U. Though Focalin is primarily prescribed to patients with ADHD along with recommended behavioral therapy , it is sometimes prescribed to treat narcolepsy.
Focalin is prescribed in both tablet and capsule form. The capsule Focalin XR is produced for extended release. The capsules come in different hues in associated with their dosing. For instance, the blue capsule is 5 mg while the white capsule is 20 mg. The pills are typically white in color. In most cases, doctors prescribe the pills to be taken twice per day. Extended-release Focalin capsules are taken just once daily. When obtaining Focalin from your pharmacy, you may note the presence of a black box on its packaging to indicate its potential for abuse.
Focalin helps to reduce periods of hyperactivity and improve impulse control in adults and children with ADHD. Many people who take Focalin notice its effects in about thirty minutes prior to taking. Some individuals prescribed this medication do not experience its benefits. Others may simply be unable to tell if the drug is doing anything. Focalin, on average, does not stay in the system very long. It might linger in hair follicles for up to 90 days, however. Before taking Focalin, individuals should discuss its possible side effects with their doctor.
Some patients may be at increased risk for certain side effects because of certain health conditions such as coronary-artery disease or bipolar disorder.
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