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Compare Focalin vs. Ritalin

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

Key takeaways

Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR) and methylphenidate extended-release (Concerta, among other brands) are both stimulant medications used to treat ADHD, but they have some differences. Dexmethylphenidate is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, while methylphenidate ER comes in various formulations, including tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and liquid. Dexmethylphenidate is typically taken twice a day for the immediate-release form and once a day for the extended-release form, whereas methylphenidate ER is usually taken once daily. Both medications can cause side effects like trouble sleeping and loss of appetite, stomach upset or pain, and irritabiltiy or nervousness. Methylphenidate ER has a broader range of available forms, which might offer more flexibility depending on your needs. Both medications carry risks of misuse and dependence and are controlled substances. However, methylphenidate ER is often considered a first-choice option for ADHD and is available in many lower-cost generic forms.

  • Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
    Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
  • Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
    Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

  • Summary of Focalin vs. Ritalin

    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 Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) is a stimulant medication that's used for treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness) in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It works by raising the levels of certain chemicals in your brain to keep you focused and awake. The dosage is typically 2 to 3 times per day because it's an immediate-release form of methylphenidate. Side effects of this medication include low appetite, nervousness, and trouble sleeping.

  • Indications of Focalin vs. Ritalin

    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

  • Pros and Cons of Focalin vs. Ritalin

    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 Stimulant
    Pros
    •First-choice medication to treat ADHD in adults and children.
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available as an oral tablet, chewable tablet, and liquid
    Cons
    •Is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse and dependence
    •Shouldn't stop taking this medication suddenly without talking to your provider first because of greater risk for mood changes
    •Can negatively affect growth in children

  • Common Side Effects of Focalin vs. Ritalin

    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

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

    •Headache
    •Anxiety
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Weight loss

  • Warnings of Focalin vs. Ritalin

    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
    •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
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only

  • Prices with our coupons for Focalin vs. Ritalin

    Learn more about Focalin
    Learn more about Methylphenidate

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