[muffinhead]

I started out my day as usual, took 2.5 mg of Focalin before having breakfast, it gave me my usual boost of energy and concentration. After the medication wore off, however, I felt extremely anxious, "out of it," paranoid, and felt I experienced a period of depersonalization. I've been taking this medication for about a year now, and am confused as to why this would start now. Has anyone experienced this kind of come down from Focalin before?

I've never taken Focalin. I know it's a CNS stimulant that you're probably taking primarily for ADD. Is that correct? Maybe inter-dose (rebound) anxiety?

How about your environment? Anything stressful happening lately/today?

I wish I could be of more help.

[kecanoe]

I agree that it is strange that a side effect would show up now. Was there anything stressful going on?

[muffinhead]

Originally Posted by kecanoe

I agree that it is strange that a side effect would show up now. Was there anything stressful going on?

I must admit, it was a day verging on the stressful end of the spectrum.

[Kathryn01]

I don't take Focalin, but I have been on similar medications like Ritalin. Sometimes they make me feel on edge, but they've never induced a panic attack. (Of course, that doesn't mean it's not possible.) Since it hasn't happened before, and you said it was a very stressful day, maybe it was an isolated incident.

[Kathryn01]

It sounds like it might have been an isolated incident.

I haven't been on Focalin, but I used to take Ritalin and it sometimes made me feel a little more on edge than usual, but I don't think it ever caused me to panic. (Of course, I'm sure it's possible for that to happen. Everyone's experience is different.)

Definitely keep an eye on how you feel during the rest of the week, and if the panic continues, call your doctor. But I'll keep my fingers crossed that you'll feel fine.