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Compare Focalin vs. Provigil

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

Key takeaways

Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR) and modafinil (Provigil) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Dexmethylphenidate is a stimulant used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both adults and children. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Modafinil, on the other hand, is a wakefulness-promoting agent used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. While both medications can cause side effects like headaches and nausea, dexmethylphenidate is a Schedule II controlled substance with a higher risk of misuse and dependence compared to modafinil, which is a Schedule IV controlled substance. Additionally, dexmethylphenidate is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, whereas modafinil is available in one form that's typically taken once daily. Both medications require careful monitoring by your healthcare provider due to their potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
Modafinil (Provigil)
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
Modafinil (Provigil)
Summary of Focalin vs. Provigil
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 Wakefulness-promoting agent
Prescription only
Modafinil (Provigil) is a prescription medication used to improve wakefulness in people who have extreme sleepiness due to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. It's considered a controlled substance since this medication has a potential to cause misuse. You should avoid alcohol while taking modafinil (Provigil), as well as certain other medications to avoid any serious interactions and side effects. Common side effects of modafinil (Provigil), however, include headache and nausea.
Indications of Focalin vs. Provigil
Indications for

•Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Indications for

•Excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy, shift work disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea
Pros and Cons of Focalin vs. Provigil
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 Wakefulness-promoting agent
Pros

•Convenient once-daily dosing

•Can help you feel awake without feeling overstimulated

•Available as a lower-cost generic

•Doesn't usually interfere with falling asleep when taken as recommended

•Can help with attention as well as fatigue

Cons

•Interacts with many medications, including hormonal birth controls, warfarin (Coumadin), and omeprazole (Prilosec)

•Older adults and people with severe liver problems might need a lower dose

•Not known whether it's safe or works well for children

•Generally not recommended if you're pregnant or breastfeeding
Common Side Effects of Focalin vs. Provigil
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

•Headache (34%)

•Nausea (11%)

•Feeling nervous (7%)

•Runny nose (7%)

•Back Pain (6%)

•Diarrhea (6%)

•Anxiety (5%)

•Dizziness (5%)

•Upset stomach and indigestion (5%)

•Trouble sleeping (5%)
Warnings of Focalin vs. Provigil
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

•Serious allergic reactions

•Serious skin reactions

•Driving impairment

•Heart problems

•Mental health disorder symptoms
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Compare Focalin vs. Provigil

Key takeaways

Summary of Focalin vs. Provigil

Indications of Focalin vs. Provigil

Pros and Cons of Focalin vs. Provigil

Common Side Effects of Focalin vs. Provigil

Warnings of Focalin vs. Provigil

Prices with our coupons for Focalin vs. Provigil

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