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Compare Focalin vs. Kapvay

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

Key takeaways

Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR) and clonidine ER (Kapvay) are both used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but they work in different ways and belong to different medication classes. Dexmethylphenidate is a stimulant that helps improve focus and attention by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. In contrast, clonidine ER is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that works on certain brain receptors, though its exact mechanism for treating ADHD is not well understood. Dexmethylphenidate is a controlled substance with a risk of misuse and dependence, while clonidine ER is not a controlled substance and has no potential for abuse. Dexmethylphenidate can cause side effects like stomach upset, nervousness, and trouble sleeping, whereas clonidine ER often causes irritability, nausea, and sleepiness. Additionally, dexmethylphenidate is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, while clonidine ER is only available as an extended-release tablet. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
    Clonidine er (Kapvay)
  • Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
    Clonidine er (Kapvay)

  • Summary of Focalin vs. Kapvay

    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.

    Summary for Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist
    Prescription only

    Extended-release clonidine (Kapvay) is an alpha-2 agonist. It's a non-stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. Clonidine ER (Kapvay) is taken by mouth, typically twice per day. Some of the more common side effects include sleepiness and headache. This medication rarely causes insomnia (trouble sleeping), and isn't known to cause weight gain. Brand name Kapvay has been discontinued; clonidine ER (Kapvay) is only available as a generic medication.

  • Indications of Focalin vs. Kapvay

    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    Indications for
    •Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people ages 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Focalin vs. Kapvay

    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
    Pros and Const for Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •A non-stimulant option for ADHD
    •Can be taken by children ages 6 years and older
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for ADHD
    •Need to take twice daily
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly

  • Common Side Effects of Focalin vs. Kapvay

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (up to 38%)
    •Headache (up to 20%)
    •Fatigue (up to 16%)
    •Upper stomach pain (up to 15%)

  • Warnings of Focalin vs. Kapvay

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm problems
    •Extreme sleepiness and dizziness
    •Allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Focalin vs. Kapvay

    Learn more about Focalin
    Learn more about Clonidine er

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