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Compare Evekeo vs. Focalin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Amphetamine sulfate (Evekeo, Adzenys XR ODT) and dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR) are both stimulant medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but they have some differences. Amphetamine sulfate is also approved for narcolepsy and short-term obesity treatment, while dexmethylphenidate is only approved for ADHD. Amphetamine sulfate comes in various forms, including tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and liquids, whereas dexmethylphenidate is available as immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules. Both medications can cause side effects like trouble sleeping and loss of appetite, but dexmethylphenidate is more likely to cause stomach pain and anxiety. Amphetamine sulfate can be used in children as young as 3 years old, while dexmethylphenidate is typically used for children 6 years and older. Both medications have a risk of misuse and dependence, so it's important to take them exactly as prescribed.

  • Amphetamine
    Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
  • Amphetamine
    Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)

  • Summary of Evekeo vs. Focalin

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Amphetamine is one of the first-choice treatments that's used for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This medication has a few brand names (e.g., Evekeo, Dynavel XR, Adzenys). It's available in many dosage forms: immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), and oral liquids. Possible side effects include difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and high blood pressure. It's important to take amphetamine as prescribed to avoid overdose or withdrawal symptoms (e.g., daytime sleepiness, larger appetite, agitation).

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR) is a stimulant medication that's used for treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. It's thought to work by balancing certain chemicals in your brain to help you focus. This medication is available as an immediate-release tablet that you take twice per day and an extended-release capsule you take once per day. Side effects can include stomach upset and nervousness. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms if it's suddenly stopped after long-term use. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is available as both a brand-name and lower-cost generic medication.

  • Indications of Evekeo vs. Focalin

    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - immediate-release, extended-release, and ODTs
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness) - immediate-release tablets only
    •Short-term add-on treatment for obesity - immediate-release tablets only
    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

  • Pros and Cons of Evekeo vs. Focalin

    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •One of the first-choice treatments for ADHD
    •Available in many dosage forms (tablets, dissolvable tablets, liquid)
    •Some forms available as lower-cost generic medications
    •Can be used in children
    •Works within 1 hour for most people to treat symptoms of ADHD
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependence
    •Is a controlled substance so there can be special requirements for filling a prescription
    •Orally disintegrating tablets are only available as a brand-name medication.
    •Not all forms are the same or can be substituted for one another.
    •Might not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •Works well to treat ADHD in children and adults
    •Available as immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules for a more flexible dosing schedule
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •A controlled substance because of the risk for misuse and dependency
    •Might cause trouble sleeping if you take too late in the day
    •Not the best option if you have heart problems
    •Not available as a liquid

  • Common Side Effects of Evekeo vs. Focalin

    Common Side Effects for

    *Side effects might differ depending on the form and brand of amphetamine you're taking. In general:

    •Lower appetite
    •Stomach upset
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Changes in mood
    Common Side Effects for

    Immediate-release tablet Age 6 to 17 years:

    •Stomach pain (15%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Low appetite (6%)

    Extended-release capsule Age 6 to 17 years:

    •Difficulty sleeping (up to 17%)
    •Vomiting (up to 9%)
    •Low appetite (up to 7%)

    Age 17 to 60 years:

    •Headache (up to 39%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 20%)
    •Anxiety (up to 11%)
    •Indigestion (up to 9%)
    •Throat pain (up to 7%)

  • Warnings of Evekeo vs. Focalin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Misuse, addiction, and dependence
    •Serious heart or blood flow problems
    •Aggressive behavior and psychosis
    •Slow growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Raynaud's phenomenon
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Vision problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Misuse and dependence
    •Serious heart problems
    •Changes in behavior or thoughts
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Problems with blood circulation (Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drug interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Evekeo vs. Focalin

    Learn more about Amphetamine
    Learn more about Focalin

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