Compare Focalin vs. Vyvanse
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.
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a first-choice treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but it can be expensive since it's only available as a brand name product.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 491 reviewsforVyvanse
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.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a first-choice medication to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- It is usually dosed once a day, so parents don't need to send the medication with their children to school.
- Can take the capsule as a whole or mix the contents with water, orange juice, or yogurt.
- Available as a chewable pill form.
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.
- Need to take Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) in the morning, otherwise it can cause difficulty sleeping at night.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is not available as a generic medication, so it is expensive.
- This medicine has the potential for abuse and dependence.
- Can cause serious side effects for the heart.
- Can also slow growth in children and cause weight loss.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$58.75
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$333.70
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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 review491 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
17%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
15possible side effects
- Decreased appetite27%
- Difficulty sleeping27%
- Dry mouth26%
- Diarrhea7%
- Nausea7%
- Anxiety6%
- Loss of appetite5%
- Feeling jittery4%
- Agitation3%
- Increased blood pressure3%
- Sweating3%
- Restlessness3%
- Difficulty breathing2%
- Increased heart rate2%
- Tremor2%
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
- High blood pressure
- Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) 14 days before starting Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
- 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
- Children ages 6 to 12