Compare Focalin vs. Kapvay
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
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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
$90.87
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$76.26
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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
- 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
- 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