Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe TreatmentsPrimary DifferencesSide EffectsDosingInteractionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
The Treatments
Primary Differences
Side Effects
Dosing
Interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
A necessary step in the process of managing the symptoms associated withattention deficit hyperactivity syndrome (ADHD)is choosing a prescription medication that works safely and effectively.
Focalin and adderall arecentral nervous system (CNS) stimulants, drugs that increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain and improve wakefulness, impulse control, and attention to detail.
While primarily seen as similar, these two medications differ regarding their active ingredients, requirements for prescription, approved indications (uses), and potential for side effects, amongst other differences.
For example, you may seek a drug regime for a diagnosis ofnarcolepsy, for which only Adderall is FDA-approved.
Moving forward, this article will compare and contrast Focalin and Adderall, examining what primary features they share and what differentiates them.
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Treating ADHD and Narcolepsy
ADHD
ADHD affects millions of children in the United States and many adults.
People with ADHD experience symptoms that interfere with their ability to perform school, work, and other daily activities, including:
ADHD is generally treated with various methods, includingprescription medication, therapy, and educational or behavioral intervention.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic (long-lasting) condition that affects the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake cycles.
To combat narcolepsy, CNS stimulants or other drugs, such as antidepressants, are used to keep an individual awake. A healthcare provider may also recommend dietary and behavioral changes to supplement an ongoing drug regimen.
Primary Differences: Focalin vs. Adderall
The following outlines notable similarities and differences between Focalin and Adderall.
Active Ingredients: Focalin vs. Adderall
The active ingredient in Focalin is called dexmethylphenidate. It is chemically similar to methylphenidate, the ingredient inRitalin.
In comparison, the active ingredient in Adderall is called amphetamine/dextroamphetamine or mixed amphetamine salts.
How They Work: Focalin vs. Adderall
Both medications are classified as CNS stimulants.
How CNS stimulants work has yet to be wholly understood, but they are thought to stimulate activity in the CNS, increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Dopamine and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that send messages between nerve cells.
Increasing dopamine and norepinephrine helps improve focus and concentration and reduces impulsivity.
Note, however, that drugs used to manage ADHD-related symptoms include non-stimulant medications.
Approved Uses: Focalin vs. Adderall
The FDA has approved Focalin and Adderall for the following uses:
Comparing Efficacy: Focalin vs. Adderall
For people who can take a CNS stimulant like Focalin or Adderall, they may wonder, which is better?
One meta-analysis comparing many studies on various stimulants for short-term ADHD treatment concluded the following:
Regarding efficacy and safety, the researchers found methylphenidate drugs (such as Focalin) better suited to children and adolescents and amphetamines (such as Adderall) better suited to adults.
Who Should Avoid Focalin or Adderall?
Focalin and Adderall are not safe for everyone.
People who should not take Focalin or Adderall include:
Also, pregnant or breastfeeding people should consult their healthcare provider before beginning treatment with Focalin or Adderall.
Misuse of Focalin or Adderall can cause addiction, overdose, heart attack, stroke, or sudden death.
Focalin
Common side effects of Focalin include:
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening, or you think you have a medical emergency.
Serious side effects of Focalin and their symptoms can include the following:
Adderall
Common side effects of Adderall include:
Serious side effects of Adderall and their symptoms can include the following:
Finally, know that CNS stimulants can affect growth in children. Therefore, adolescents who take stimulants will be closely monitored for development.
Dexedrine vs. Adderall for ADHD
Dosing: Focalin vs. Adderall
Focalin (IR) is an oral tablet with 2.5 milligrams (mg), 5 mg, and 10 mg strengths.
Focalin (ER) is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, and 40 mg doses.
Focalin is available in both brand-name and generic formulations.
You can take Focalin with or without food but do not stop taking Focalin suddenly. When you stop taking Focalin, the healthcare provider will instruct you on how to slowly and safely taper off the drug.
Adderall IR is an oral tablet with 5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg tablets.
Adderall XR is available in dosage strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg capsules.
Like Focalin, Adderall is also available in brand-name and generic formulations.
Swallow the IR tablets and ER capsules whole (don’t chew or crush them). If swallowing the ER capsule isn’t possible, you can open it and sprinkle the contents onto a teaspoon of applesauce.
Interactions: Focalin vs. Adderall
Tell your healthcare provider about all your medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and vitamins or supplements.
While taking Focalin or Adderall, do not start any new medications without approval from your healthcare provider.
Because these drugs are in the same drug class, they have similar drug interactions. Some drug interactions include but are not limited to:
This isa partiallist of drug interactions.
Other drug interactions may occur with Focalin or Adderall. Consult your healthcare provider for more information about drug interactions and how they may affect you.
Summary
Choosing the proper medication, regardless of condition or severity, can be challenging, especially if the drug is for a child or other loved one.
Focalin and Adderall are effective in their approved indications. However, it’s important to remember that while both are orally administered CNS stimulants used for wakefulness and focus, both drugs have the potential for adverse effects and addictive properties.
Like all drugs, Focalin and Adderall should only be taken under the direction and supervision of a healthcare provider.
Like all prescription drug regimens, speak to your healthcare provider about which drug is right based on your or your child’s medical history and current symptoms.
Frequently Asked QuestionsMisuse of stimulants can cause heart attack, stroke, and sudden death. People who overuse or misuse stimulants over time may also experience trouble sleeping, irritability, personality changes, and psychotic symptoms.The cost depends on the formulation (brand or generic), dosage, and quantity. Choosing the generic alternative, in most cases, will be significantly less expensive than opting for the brand-name drug.Ask your pharmacist to help you calculate the cost of your prescription.
Misuse of stimulants can cause heart attack, stroke, and sudden death. People who overuse or misuse stimulants over time may also experience trouble sleeping, irritability, personality changes, and psychotic symptoms.
The cost depends on the formulation (brand or generic), dosage, and quantity. Choosing the generic alternative, in most cases, will be significantly less expensive than opting for the brand-name drug.Ask your pharmacist to help you calculate the cost of your prescription.
The cost depends on the formulation (brand or generic), dosage, and quantity. Choosing the generic alternative, in most cases, will be significantly less expensive than opting for the brand-name drug.
Ask your pharmacist to help you calculate the cost of your prescription.
21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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