Compare Focalin vs. Adderall
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats attention deficit disorder.
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) effectively treats ADHD, and is usually recommended if first-line ADHD medications don't work for you.
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3.3/ 5 average rating with 141 reviewsforFocalin
Helps you focus and stay alert.
Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine) is a first-choice treatment for ADHD that's available as a generic, but it's a stimulant that can cause difficulty sleeping and other side effects.
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3.9/ 5 average rating with 1309 reviewsforAdderall
Upsides
- Effectively treats ADHD in children and adults.
- Extended release capsules can be opened and sprinkled in applesauce for people who don't like swallowing pills.
- The extended release pill is available in many strengths and allows for personalized dosing.
- Available as a generic, so it should be reasonably priced.
- First-choice medication to treat ADHD.
- Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine) is used together with counseling or other non-drug therapies to treat ADHD.
- Available as an affordable generic medication.
- Available in both immediate and extended release forms.
- For the extended release capsule, if you can't swallow the whole capsule, the capsule can be opened, mixed in a spoonful of applesauce, and swallowed.
Downsides
- Not carried by all pharmacies and may need to be special ordered for you.
- Decreased appetite in children may affect their growth.
- Requires a new prescription from your doctor every month so it may be a hassle for some people.
- Has the potential for abuse, misuse, and dependence.
- Must take in the morning and early afternoon, otherwise it can cause difficulty sleeping.
- It's a controlled medication and should be locked up to prevent potential abuse.
- Not safe for people with a history of heart problems.
- For school-aged children, a second dose will likely need to be given at school.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$67.70
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$28.83
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Reviews
141 reviews so far
55%
saidit'sworth it
35%
saiditworked well
21%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)?
Leave a review1309 reviews so far
74%
saidit'sworth it
53%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
The Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Abuse and dependence
- History of substance abuse
- Serious or life-threatening cardiovascular events
- History of heart problems
- Aggressive behavior and psychosis
- History of psychotic episodes
- History of bipolar Disorder
- Long-term growth suppression
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Blood circulation problems
- Serious or life-threatening cardiovascular events
- History of heart problems
- Misuse of Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine)
- Dependence and abuse
- History of drug abuse
- Misuse of Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine)
- Serotonin syndrome
- Taking other medicines that affect serotonin levels
- Aggressive behavior and psychosis
- History of psychotic episodes
- History of bipolar disorder
- Driving impairment
- Taking Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine) with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that cause dizziness and/or drowsiness
- Long-term growth suppression
- Children ages 7 to 10