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Ritalin vs. Focalin

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

Methylphenidate

(Ritalin)

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Focalin

(dexmethylphenidate)

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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

Price Card Drug Icon
Methylphenidate90 tablets / 10mg
$19.86$132.99
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Price Card Drug Icon
Dexmethylphenidate30 tablets / 10mg
$20.39$42.05
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