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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)

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Vyvanse

(lisdexamfetamine)

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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 Vyvanse

Prescription only

Vyvanse, the brand name for lisdexamfetamine, is a stimulant medication. It's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years and older. It can also treat binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) comes as capsules and chewable tablets. It's taken once per day in the morning. The dosage starts low and gets adjusted based on how you respond to the medication. Common side effects include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse and dependency.

Indications for Vyvanse

Pros and Cons for Vyvanse

Pros

  • A first-choice ADHD medication
  • Can help with ADHD for up to 14 hours with each dose
  • For binge eating disorder, can lower the number of binge-eating days per week by about one and a half days
  • Has a few options for people who have trouble swallowing pills whole (open the capsule 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
  • Might need to take gradually lower doses before stopping to avoid withdrawal symptoms
  • Not the best choice for people with heart conditions

Common Side Effects for Vyvanse

ADHD

Binge eating disorder

  • Dry mouth (36%)
  • Trouble sleeping (20%)

Warnings for Vyvanse

  • Risk of misuse and addiction
  • Risks to people with serious heart problems
  • Higher blood pressure and faster heart rate
  • Strange thoughts or behavior
  • Slow growth in children
  • Problems with blood flow in the arms and legs, including Raynaud's phenomenon
  • Serotonin syndrome

Prices with our coupons for Focalin vs. Vyvanse

Price Card Drug Icon
Dexmethylphenidate60 tablets / 10mg
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Price Card Drug Icon
Lisdexamfetamine30 capsules / 30mg
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