Key Takeaways
- Both Focalin and Adderall are stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD.
- Both Focalin and Adderall are available in brand-name and generic forms.
- Both Focalin and Adderall offer immediate-release pills as well as extended-release capsules for a longer-lasting effect.
- While neither Focalin nor Adderall is inherently more powerful, Adderall is anecdotally considered by some to have a stronger, more immediate, and longer-lasting impact.
- Both Focalin and Adderall have mild as well as extremely serious potential side effects. If not taken as directed, dependence and abuse can easily form, and brain damage, overdose, and death can occur.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder, affecting over 8 million adults in the US. For those in need of treatment, a doctor may prescribe Adderall or Focalin to manage their ADHD. Both drugs are central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, which impact brain chemical levels and help people with ADHD function optimally.
If you or a loved one are looking into ADHD medications, this article is your guide to Focalin vs Adderall. Join Avenues Recovery, specialists in addiction rehabilitation, and learn about key differences between the two drugs, which one works better, and guidance on switching from Adderall to Focalin or vice versa.
What is Focalin?
Focalin is a prescription medication containing dexmethylphenidate, used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by increasing focus and reducing impulsivity.
Focalin is the brand name for dexmethylphenidate, a man-made stimulant drug that contains the active form of methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, another ADHD medication. Focalin is twice as powerful as Ritalin on a mg-to-mg basis, and is often prescribed if Ritalin isn’t working for someone or if they’re suffering from intense side effects from Ritalin.
Focalin was approved by the FDA for use in 2001, and an extended-release version (Focalin XR) was approved in 2005. Focalin can be bought as a brand-name drug or generic medication, with the generic version usually being significantly cheaper.
How Does Focalin Work?
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) targets the symptoms of ADHD by increasing the levels of two neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, which are responsible for regulating attention, alertness, and impulse control. The drug achieves this increase by blocking the reabsorption of these two chemicals after their periodic release, thereby prolonging their activity in the brain before reabsorption.
Side Effects of Focalin
Side effects of Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) are usually relatively minor and can include:
- Headache
- Nausea/stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Weight loss
These side effects are generally mild and tend to improve after a few weeks on the medication as your body adjusts. Talk to your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
More serious side effects that can require medical attention include:
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Aggressiveness
- Anxiety
- Depression
If you experience life-threatening side effects, call 911 immediately.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription medication used primarily to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It helps increase focus, attention, and impulse control by balancing out certain chemicals in the brain.
Like Focalin, Adderall is a man-made stimulant drug, but unlike Focalin’s active ingredient dexmethylphenidate, Adderall is made of mixed amphetamine salts, with 75% dextroamphetamine and 25% levoamphetamine.
Adderall was approved for use in 1996, a few years before Focalin. Like Focalin, Adderall is available as a brand-name medication or generic option, and it can be bought in short-release or extended-release capsules, offering flexibility in dosing schedules.
How Does Adderall Work?
Although Adderall contains a different active ingredient than Focalin, the mechanism it uses to treat ADHD symptoms is similar. Like Focalin, Adderall increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain by blocking their reabsorption so they remain active for longer. (Higher levels of these chemicals help target the symptoms of ADHD, like regulating attention and impulse control.) Unlike Focalin, Adderall also actively stimulates the brain to release more dopamine and norepinephrine.
Side Effects of Adderall
Side effects of Adderall can include:
- Sweating
- Irritability
- Restlessness, agitation, or anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling unusually tired or weak
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty sleeping
These side effects are generally mild and tend to improve after a few weeks on the medication as your body adjusts. Talk to your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
The following symptoms can be more serious and can require medical attention:
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Speech issues
- Vision changes
If you experience life-threatening side effects, call 911 immediately.
Dosages: Focalin vs Adderall
Both Focalin and Adderall come in similar dosages, but Adderall is available in slightly more varied dosages than Focalin.
These are the dosages available for each medication:
Focalin:
- Immediate-release (IR) tablets
- 2.5mg
- 5mg
- 10mg
- Extended-release (XR) capsules
- 5mg
- 10mg
- 15mg
- 20mg
- 25mg
- 30mg
- 35mg
- 40mg
Adderall:
- Immediate-release tablets
- 5mg
- 7.5mg
- 10mg
- 12.5mg
- 15mg
- 20mg
- 30mg
- Extended-release capsules
- 5mg
- 10mg
- 15mg
- 20mg
- 25mg
- 30mg
The average initial dose of Focalin IR for adults is 2.5mg twice daily, and for Focalin XR, it’s 10mg once in the morning. The average initial dose of Adderall IR for adults is 5mg 1-2 times a day, and for Adderall XR, it’s 20mg once in the morning. However, the dosage is set according to the person’s age, weight, and level of ADHD, and will therefore vary from person to person. Always consult with a doctor before taking Focalin or Adderall.
The effects of the extended-release capsules of Focalin and Adderall can last up to 12 hours, whereas the effects of the immediate-release tablets wear off after just 4-6 hours. Because of this difference, the extended-release forms of both drugs only need to be taken once a day.
Side Effects: Focalin vs Adderall
New medications can bring new side effects, especially when being used for the first time. Since Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) and Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) are both stimulants, many of their side effects are similar. These include:
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Irregular heartbeat
- Unintentional muscle movements
- Behavioral changes
More severe side effects of either drug include:
Because Focalin works in a more targeted way than Adderall, some individuals experience fewer mood-related side effects like nervousness or irritability. In contrast, Adderall’s amphetamine formulation may lead to stronger changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or mood in certain users.
Higher doses of any drug increase the likelihood of developing side effects. If you think you might be experiencing a life-threatening side effect, call 911 immediately. If you have questions about your Adderall or Focalin use and want to know if you’ve developed a tolerance or dependency to it, our team of caring experts are happy to answer your questions confidentially.
Is Focalin Stronger Than Adderall?
No, Focalin is not inherently stronger or more powerful than Adderall; some individuals actually experience a stronger effect when taking Adderall. Focalin and Adderall are different types of central nervous system stimulants that have been found to be similarly effective in treating ADHD. Both use similar mechanisms to affect brain chemicals that help improve focus and impulse control. Ultimately, the perceived strength of each drug largely depends on the dosage prescribed, the formulation (immediate-release or extended-release), and individual brain chemistry that determines how the medication affects you.
While neither Focalin nor Adderall is definitively more powerful, some individuals experience Adderall as having a stronger, longer-lasting effect, along with more pronounced side effects. Focalin, in contrast, is considered by some to have a more targeted impact, with milder side effects. Depending on individual brain chemistry and personality, some people’s ADHD symptoms benefit from the stronger stimulative effect of Adderall, while some just get jittery and overstimulated, preferring Focalin’s smoother experience, which makes them feel steadily focused rather than over-energized.
What’s the Difference Between Adderall and Focalin?
The main differences between Focalin and Adderall are their active ingredients, approved uses, mechanisms, and typical effectiveness.
Focalin’s active ingredient is dexmethylphenidate, while Adderall’s is mixed amphetamine salts. Focalin’s approved use is treating ADHD in adults and children aged 6+. Adderall (immediate-release) can be used to treat ADHD in adults and children aged 3+ (or 6+ for Adderall XR), and it’s also an approved treatment for narcolepsy for adults and children aged 6+ (but more commonly prescribed to ages 12+).
Focalin’s mechanism for increasing neurotransmitter (dopamine and norepinephrine) levels in the brain is to block their reabsorption after they’re periodically released by their neurons, causing them to stay active in the brain for longer before being reabsorbed. Adderall’s mixed amphetamine salts use the same mechanism, as well as an additional mechanism that stimulates the release of more dopamine and norepinephrine.
Effectiveness: Focalin vs Adderall
Focalin and Adderall have been found to be equally effective overall. However, some studies have found Focalin to be better suited for children and adolescents, and Adderall to be more effective in treating adults. This may be because children and teens can sometimes tolerate Focalin better than Adderall, finding it to have milder side effects.
Despite that, Adderall is prescribed more commonly regardless of age and is very popular in ADHD treatment. Some reasons for Adderall’s popularity include its long history of use, flexible dosing, and insurance coverage.
It’s always best to consult with a medical professional to determine which medication is best suited for you or your child, as it heavily depends on individual factors like the age, medication history, overall health, and unique brain chemistry of the person. Individual people react differently to different medications, so if one isn’t working for you, it can be worthwhile to consider trying another.
Switching from Adderall to Focalin
If you or your child are looking into switching from Adderall to Focalin or vice versa, it’s essential that the process is done under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Switching between these powerful medications on your own or suddenly stopping to take your pills can pose serious risks, including intense withdrawal symptoms, rare but potentially severe heart problems, and even sudden death.
Your doctor will review your medical history and discuss the pros and cons of switching medications with you. If you both agree it’s a good idea to make the switch, your doctor will likely prescribe you a low dosage at first, gradually increasing it in accordance with your body’s reactions. This way, they can monitor you for potential adverse effects and ensure that your chosen medication is treating your symptoms effectively.
Potential for Misuse and Addiction: Focalin vs Adderall
Both Focalin and Adderall carry a boxed warning, which is the strictest type of FDA warning that indicates a substance is highly addictive or has risky, potentially life-threatening side effects. Both Focalin and Adderall are also Schedule II controlled substances according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, which means that they carry a high potential for dependence and abuse. Taking either of these drugs for an extended period of time can lead to tolerance and physiological dependence. As a result, quitting Focalin or Adderall suddenly can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. Always consult with a doctor when considering Adderall vs Focalin, thinking about switching from one to the other, or if you feel that your dosage should be increased, rather than making these potentially risky decisions on your own.
Focalin vs Adderall Weight Loss
It’s rumored that Adderall is more popular than Focalin among college students as a method of weight loss. Because Adderall decreases appetite, it can be abused by people who want to lose weight. Moreover, since Adderall has the power to improve one’s focus and attention span, young adults also tend to misuse the drug to improve their academic performance, such as for studying and test-taking in college.
If Adderall or Focalin is misused over long periods, tolerance, dependence, and then addiction can develop – potentially leading to overdose. Addiction and overdose can lead to permanent organ damage, brain damage, and/or serious mental issues, if not death. Additionally, misuse of these drugs can actually exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD, making the condition more difficult to treat.
Treatment For Focalin or Adderall Addiction
If you or a loved one are suffering from Focalin or Adderall addiction, our team of experts at Avenues Recovery are here to help you.
The first stage of the recovery process is detoxification, which is when all harmful substances are removed from the body. This can be a painful process, as withdrawal symptoms can make it seem unbearable or even impossible to manage. This is why it’s important to undergo the detox in a licensed detox center, where constant medical supervision is available. This will ensure the comfort and safety of all patients, and medication can be administered and vitals monitored continuously.
The second step of the treatment process is participating in therapy sessions to explore the underlying causes of addiction, and to learn healthier coping mechanisms to deal with challenges and triggers. There are several therapy options to choose from: group therapy, individual therapy, and more.
Contact us to learn more about our programs and to find out which of our facilities is closest to you. You can find your way home, starting today!
FAQs
Are Adderall and Focalin the same?
No, Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) and Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) are not the same. Adderall and Focalin are two different drugs that are both prescribed to treat ADHD. They have different active ingredients, different approved uses, and some different side effects.
Is Focalin generic Adderall?
No, Focalin is not generic Adderall.
Focalin vs Adderall vs Ritalin: What’s the difference?
Focalin and Ritalin are both methylphenidate-based stimulants; Focalin is the active, refined part of Ritalin and often feels smoother or more subtle. Adderall is an amphetamine, which can last longer and feel more energizing. They all treat ADHD, but differ in chemical class, how they affect the brain, duration, and how people respond to them.
Does the feeling differ between Focalin vs Adderall?
While the feeling varies greatly from person to person, many people report a more subtle, focused effect with Focalin, experiencing milder side effects than with Adderall. In line with that, people also anecdotally report feeling less nervous and jittery on Focalin than on Adderall. However, the experience and effectiveness of a medication can vary widely from person to person.
Is Adderall or Focalin more addictive?
Adderall is considered to be slightly more addictive than Focalin, producing a more noticeable euphoria if misused. Because Adderall produces a stronger dopamine release than Focalin, it more strongly reinforces the reward pathways in the brain and has a somewhat higher potential for addiction than Focalin, which is still quite addictive if abused.
What are the costs of Focalin vs Adderall?
The cost of Focalin and Adderall depends on a number of factors:
- Whether you choose the brand-name or generic formulation
- What dosage you are on
- What your insurance covers
The brand-name version of a drug is generally much more expensive than the generic one. Also, Focalin tends to be more expensive than Adderall.
The brand-name versions of both Adderall and Focalin can cost hundreds of dollars a month, while the generic versions can be under $100 a month, with some people with great insurance and coupons reporting copays of only $15/month for the generic form of Adderall.
Can Focalin XR and Adderall XR be crushed or chewed?
No, Focalin XR and Adderall XR capsules must not be crushed or chewed. While the immediate-release versions of both Focalin and Adderall can generally be crushed or split, crushing or chewing an extended-release pill causes the full dose to immediately release all at once. This is dangerous and increases the risk of side effects, heart problems, and overdose.
What if I can’t swallow the Focalin XR or Adderall XR pill?
If you have trouble swallowing a Focalin XR or Adderall XR pill, some XR pills can be opened, and the contents sprinkled onto a spoonful of applesauce. These capsules contain many tiny beads with special coatings that control the timing of the drug release. So after carefully opening the pill and sprinkling the contents onto the applesauce, just make sure to eat it immediately without chewing, to ensure that the tiny coated beads retain their coatings and will be released at the proper times. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking your pills this way; not all XR pills can be taken like this.