Focalin is a pharmaceutical drug used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Focalin has approximately a 6-hour duration of effect, and has been demonstrated to be more effective than methylphenidate at reducing the symptoms of childhood ADHD. Focalin is very similar to Ritalin (methylphenidate), but it only contains the d-isomer of methylphenidate, rather than the mixture of the two stereo isomers found in methylphenidate.

A complete treatment plan using Focalin is created to treat ADHD along with psychological, educational, social, and other treatments. One notion to the way it works is by re-establishing the balance of specific types of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. A person's ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems are all areas that this treatment will cover. Also, listening skills may improve, there is a possibility it will help stop fidgeting, and maybe help to organize tasks better.

Focalin is also sold illegally on college campuses by other students for as little as $2 and as much as $7 per pill. Focalin increases concentration; it allows a student to study, without a break, for many hours. According to the University of Rochester, "between 4 and 25 percent of college students use or have used a prescription stimulant as a study aid. Similiar accounts have been recorded in the UK where university students are taking Ritalin for finals.

Formal Chemical Name (IUPAC)
(R)-methyl 2-phenyl-2-((R)-piperidin-2-yl)acetate

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dexmethylphenidate

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/6766847.stm