Compare Focalin vs. Desoxyn
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Helps you focus and stay alert.
Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate) is a first-choice treatment for ADHD that's available as a generic, but it's a stimulant, so it can cause insomnia and other side effects.
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3.3/ 5 average rating with 141 reviewsforFocalin
Helps you focus and lose weight.
Desoxyn (methamphetamine) effectivly treats ADHD and obesity, but should not be used for long-term treatment.
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4.4/ 5 average rating with 19 reviewsforDesoxyn
Upsides
- Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate) is used in combination with counseling or other non-drug therapies to treat ADHD.
- Available as a generic medication.
- Available in both an immediate-release form, which is given twice a day, and an extended-release form, which is given once a day.
- Capsules can be opened and sprinkled in water or applesauce for people who don't like swallowing pills.
- Is a first-choice treatment for ADHD in both adults and children.
- Available as a generic, so it is cheaper than other brand name medications to treat ADHD.
Downsides
- Needs to be taken in the morning and early afternoon, or else it can cause insomnia later that night.
- It's a controlled medication and should be locked up to prevent potential abuse.
- Desoxyn (methamphetamine) is habit-forming and can lead to physical dependence.
- Not carried by all pharmacies, so you may have a hard time getting this medication.
- If you want to stop taking this medicine, talk to your doctor since suddenly stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms.
- You'll have to check-in with your doctor often and get a new prescription monthly.
- Only lowers appetite for the first few weeks.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$90.87
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$369.85
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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 review19 reviews so far
84%
saidit'sworth it
79%
saiditworked well
11%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Desoxyn (methamphetamine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
The Desoxyn (methamphetamine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- High blood pressure
- Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) 14 days before starting
- Abuse and dependence
- History of drug 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
- Ages 7 to 10
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Prolonged erection
- Circulation problems in the hands and feet
- Vision changes
- Serious or life-threatening cardiovascular events
- History of heart problems
- Abuse and dependence
- History of drug abuse
- Aggressive behavior and psychosis
- History of psychotic episodes
- History of Bipolar Disorder
- Long-term growth suppression
- Children
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Drug interactions
- Taking MAO inhibitors and other serotonergic agents, as well as other medicines that can increase blood pressure