Ritalin vs. Focalin for ADHD: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Methylphenidate

(Ritalin)

Focalin

(dexmethylphenidate)

Summary for Ritalin

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 for Ritalin

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

Pros and Cons for Ritalin

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 for Ritalin

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

Headache
Anxiety
Trouble sleeping
Low appetite
Weight loss

Warnings for Ritalin

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

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

Prices with our coupons for Ritalin vs. Focalin

Methylphenidate90 tablets / 10mg

$28.31$87.90

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Dexmethylphenidate60 tablets / 10mg

$25.01$156.69

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Ritalin vs. Focalin

Methylphenidate

Focalin

Summary for Ritalin

Indications for Ritalin

Pros and Cons for Ritalin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ritalin

Warnings for Ritalin

Summary for Focalin

Indications for Focalin

Pros and Cons for Focalin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Focalin

Warnings for Focalin

Prices with our coupons for Ritalin vs. Focalin

Compare other ADHD drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Methylphenidate

Focalin

Summary for Ritalin

Indications for Ritalin

Pros and Cons for Ritalin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ritalin

Warnings for Ritalin

Summary for Focalin

Indications for Focalin

Pros and Cons for Focalin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Focalin

Warnings for Focalin