Skip to main content

Compare
Focalin vs. Concerta

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

Key takeaways

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) and Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release) are both stimulant medications used to treat ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder). Focalin comes in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) forms. Concerta only comes in an ER form, but methylphenidate IR is available as Ritalin. Additionally, they have similar side effects such as stomach pain, low appetite, and trouble sleeping. Both medications are controlled substances and can cause dependence and misuse. Taking them exactly as prescribed can help you minimize these risks.

Focalin

(dexmethylphenidate)

Get free coupons

methylphenidate ER

 

Get free coupons

Summary for Focalin

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 for Focalin

  • Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Pros and Cons for Focalin

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 for Focalin

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 for Focalin

  • 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

Summary for Concerta

Prescription only

Methylphenidate extended-release (ER) is a first-choice option for people with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This once-daily medication can start to work within 2 hours and can last throughout the day. Methylphenidate ER can cause difficulty sleeping and a loss of appetite. It also has a potential risk of misuse and dependency and is thus a controlled substance.

Indications for Concerta

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Pros and Cons for Concerta

Pros

  • First-choice medication for ADHD
  • Taken only once per day
  • Available in many different forms (e.g., pills, chewable tablet, liquid)
  • Some brands available in lower-cost generic form
  • Can be prescribed for children as young as 6 years old

Cons

  • Has a risk of misuse and dependency
  • A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
  • Dose needs to be raised and lowered slowly to avoid bothersome side effects like distress and trouble sleeping
  • Not the best choice for pregnant or breastfeeding females or people with heart conditions
  • Can interact with certain blood pressure medications and depression medications

Common Side Effects for Concerta

Side effects might differ depending on the formulation and brand. In general:

Warnings for Concerta

  • Misuse and dependence
  • Serious heart problems
  • Changes in behavior or thoughts
  • Prolonged and painful erection
  • Blood circulation problem (Raynaud's phenomenon)
  • Slowed growth in children
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Drug interactions

Prices with our coupons for Focalin vs. Concerta

Price Card Drug Icon
Dexmethylphenidate60 tablets / 10mg
$25.01$156.61
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Methylphenidate ER30 tablets / 36mg
$35.74$359.60
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other ADHD drugs

Evekeo vs. FocalinFocalin vs. AdderallFocalin vs. ConcertaFocalin vs. DesoxynFocalin vs. Dexedrine
Focalin vs. IntunivFocalin vs. KapvayFocalin vs. ProvigilFocalin vs. RitalinFocalin vs. StratteraFocalin vs. VyvanseAdderall vs. ConcertaAdderall vs. StratteraAdderall vs. XanaxAdderall-xr vs. AdderallConcerta vs. RitalinDesoxyn vs. RitalinEvekeo vs. RitalinIntuniv vs. RitalinMedrol vs. RitalinNuvigil vs. RitalinProvigil vs. RitalinRitalin vs. AdderallRitalin vs. DexedrineRitalin vs. FortestaRitalin vs. KapvayRitalin vs. MarinolStrattera vs. RitalinVyvanse vs. RitalinWellbutrin vs. Ritalin

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.