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

  • Summary of Evekeo vs. Focalin

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Immediate-release amphetamine, also known under the brand name Evekeo, is a stimulant. It's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 3 years and older. This medication can also help adults and some kids with narcolepsy. It's also approved to be used for a few weeks as an add-on treatment for obesity in people 12 and older. Immediate-release amphetamine comes as a tablet that you swallow with liquid. The dosage depends on why you're taking it and how well it works for you. Side effects can include loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. There are brand-name and generic versions. But there are special restrictions to get it because it's a controlled substance.

    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)
    •Narcolepsy
    •Short-term add-on treatment for obesity
    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 medications for ADHD
    •Typically works within 45 minutes
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependence
    •Lasts just 4 to 6 hours, so might need to take more than one time each day
    •Can cause higher blood pressure
    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
    •Low appetite
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Headache
    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
    •Risk of misuse and addiction
    •Risks to people with serious heart conditions
    •Higher blood pressure and faster heart rate
    •Strange thoughts or behaviors
    •Slow growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Problems with blood flow in the arms and legs, including Raynaud's phenomenon
    •Serotonin syndrome
    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

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