Compare Focalin vs. Kapvay
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
Treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Kapvay (clonidine) is one of the few medicines for ADHD that isn't a stimulant and not addictive, but it can lower your blood pressure.
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.
- Can be used alone or together with a stimulant-type medicine to treat ADHD.
- Also treats blood pressure and some nervous system and psychiatric conditions.
- Kapvay (clonidine) is available in generic.
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.
- Kapvay (clonidine) is not a first choice medicine to treat ADHD.
- Kapvay (clonidine) can make you feel very dizzy or cause low blood pressure.
- Stopping Kapvay (clonidine) suddenly can cause your blood pressure to jump and your heart to beat very fast.
- It can take up to two weeks of taking Kapvay (clonidine) to notice any changes in behavior.
- Kapvay (clonidine) has to be swallowed whole, which can be hard for some children to do.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$62.33
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$76.89
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Reviews
141 reviews so far
55%
saidit'sworth it
35%
saiditworked well
21%
saidit'sa big hassle
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Side effects
The Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
12possible side effects
- Sleepiness19%
- Fatigue14%
- Headache7%
- Upper abdominal pain7%
- Decreased appetite6%
- Dizziness5%
- Insomnia4%
- Aggression2%
- Mood changes2%
- Emotional disorders2%
- Irritability2%
- Stuffy nose2%
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
- Low blood pressure and low heart rate
- Sleepiness
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- High blood pressure
- Stopping Kapvay (clonidine) suddenly