Compare Focalin vs. Strattera
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 stay alert.
Strattera (Atomoxetine) isn't considered a first-line medication for ADHD, but since it isn't a stimulant, it's still highly recommended.
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3.2/ 5 average rating with 94 reviewsforStrattera
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.
- One of the few medications used to treat ADHD that's not a stimulant.
- It isn't a controlled substance.
- Strattera (Atomoxetine) is used in combination with counseling or other non-drug therapies to treat ADHD.
- You usually only need to take it once a day.
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.
- It's a second-line medication used to treat ADHD. Other medications are usually tried first.
- It's only available as a brand name medication, so it can be expensive.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$90.87
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$97.93
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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 review94 reviews so far
46%
saidit'sworth it
32%
saiditworked well
24%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Strattera (Atomoxetine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
30possible side effects
- Nausea26%
- Dry mouth20%
- Decreased appetite16%
- Insomnia15%
- Changes in heart rate or blood pressure10%
- Fatigue10%
- Constipation8%
- Dizziness8%
- Somnolence8%
- Erectile dysfunction8%
- Abdominal pain7%
- Urinary hesitation6%
- Irritability5%
- Dyspepsia4%
- Vomiting4%
- Abnormal dreams4%
- Ejaculation delayed and/or ejaculation disorder4%
- Hyperhidrosis4%
- Palpitations3%
- Chills3%
- Paraesthesia3%
- Libido decreased3%
- Sleep disorder3%
- Dysmenhorrhea3%
- Hot flush3%
- Feeling jittery2%
- Thirst2%
- Weight loss2%
- Dysuria2%
- Any sexual side effect2%
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
- Suicidal thinking
- Age below 18
- Liver disease
- Serious or life-threatening cardiovascular events
- History of heart problems
- Aggressive behavior and psychosis
- History of psychotic episodes
- History of Bipolar Disorder
- Prolonged erection
- Problems with urination
- Long-term growth suppression
- Starting Strattera (Atomoxetine) before puberty