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Compare Focalin vs. Vyvanse

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

Key takeaways

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) are stimulant medications used to treat ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder). Vyvanse is also FDA approved for binge-eating disorder. They’re different types of stimulants: Focalin is a methylphenidate and Vyvanse is an amphetamine. Vyvanse is an extended-release (ER) medication. Focalin comes in immediate-release (Focalin IR) and ER (Focalin XR) forms. Focalin IR may be taken twice a day while Focalin XR and Vyvanse are taken once a day usually. Focalin and Vyvanse have similar side effects such as stomach pain, low appetite, and headache. And both medications are controlled substances. This means they can lead to dependence and misuse. Taking them only as prescribed can help decrease these risks.

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Summary of Focalin vs. Vyvanse
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
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is one of the first-choice medications used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can also help treat binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is taken once per day and can start to work within a couple hours. But some common side effects include difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite. It's a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse and dependency.
Indications of Focalin vs. Vyvanse
Indications for

•Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Indications for

•Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - adults and children age 6 years and older

•Moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder (BED) - adults only
Pros and Cons of Focalin vs. Vyvanse
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

•A first-choice medication for ADHD

•Works well for binge eating disorder

•In children with ADHD, might start working within 1.5 hours and last for 13 hours

•In adults with ADHD, might start working within 2 hours and last for 14 hours

•If you have trouble swallowing pills, you can open the capsules and sprinkle contents onto certain foods, or switch to chewable tablets.

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 side effects and withdrawal symptoms

•Not the best choice for pregnant or breastfeeding females or people with heart conditions
Common Side Effects of Focalin vs. Vyvanse
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
ADHD

•Poor appetite (up to 39%)

•Difficulty sleeping (up to 27%)

•Dry mouth (26% in adults)

•Stomach pain (12% in children younger than 12 years old)

•Feeling irritable (10% in children younger than 12 years old)

Binge eating disorder

•Dry mouth (36%)

•Difficulty sleeping (20%)
Warnings of Focalin vs. Vyvanse
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

•Slowed growth in children

•Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)

•Serotonin syndrome

•Drug interactions
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Compare Focalin vs. Vyvanse

Key takeaways

Summary of Focalin vs. Vyvanse

Indications of Focalin vs. Vyvanse

Pros and Cons of Focalin vs. Vyvanse

Common Side Effects of Focalin vs. Vyvanse

Warnings of Focalin vs. Vyvanse

Prices with our coupons for Focalin vs. Vyvanse

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