Various treatment options are available for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (acronym – ADHD) and narcolepsy. Certain drugs may appear to have the same effects, or may be assumed to be similar in constitution and mechanism of action. However, there are important differences between different drugs. For instance, patients are often confused and pose the following question Focalin vs Adderall: What’s the difference? Following subsections offer a detailed look at both the medications to help understand the difference between the two drugs, including the respective mechanism of action and side effects.
Overview of Focalin – mechanism of action and side effects
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is a stimulant medication with a mechanism of action that is similar to other stimulant medications. Focalin works by increasing the levels of specific chemicals in the brain – dopamine and norepinephrine – involved in the regulation of attention and behavior. The stimulant blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, resulting in an increase in their levels and enhances neurotransmission.
All medications come with the possibility of side effects, and Focalin is no exception. Some of the most commonly reported side effects include loss of appetite, that may result in possible weight loss. Focalin can cause insomnia, and patients may experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. The medication is also known to cause stomach upset, apart from feelings of nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. The medication is also known to cause headaches among a small section of patients. Additionally, it can cause dizziness, and in rare cases, it may also trigger tics – sudden, repetitive movements or sounds. Other effects include possible mood changes such as anxiety or agitation, apart from depression or suicidal thoughts in extremely rare cases.Top of Form
Recommended/ideal dosage of Focalin
The recommended starting dosage for Focalin is typically 2.5 mg twice daily for children and 5 mg twice daily for adolescents. The dose may be increased gradually by 2.5 mg or 5 mg every week, as needed, to a maximum of 20 mg per day for children and 40 mg per day for adolescents. The dosage of Focalin is individualized to the needs of the patient, and this is determined by the treating specialist. It is therefore wrong to assume that one dosage may work for all patients of the same age group or condition. The recommended dosage is not to be exceeded, and is to be taken at the same time every day, with or without food. The tablets are not to be crushed or chewed.
Overview of Adderall – mechanism of action and side effects
Adderall is a stimulant medication containing a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These active ingredients increase the levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. This results in improved attention, focus, and decreased impulsivity in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Commonly reported side effects of Adderall include:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate
In addition to the above, there are possible serious side effects, including:
- Seizures
- Heart problems
- High blood pressure
- Rapid breathing
- Aggression
- Hallucinations
- Changes in vision
Additionally, Adderall is known to be habit-forming and may cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.
Recommended/ideal dosage of Adderall
The recommended starting dosage for Adderall is typically 5 mg once or twice daily for children and adolescents, and 10 mg once or twice daily for adults. The dose may be increased gradually by 5 mg or 10 mg every week, as needed, to a maximum of 40 mg per day for children, 60 mg per day for adolescents and adults. Similar to Focalin, the actual dosage of Adderall is assessed as per various factors, and may differ from person to person with tin the same category. The intake instructions are also the same, in terms of dosage, same time of intake daily, and the need to take the tablets whole.
Focalin vs Adderall: What’s the difference?
Here is a summary of the difference between the two medications, to help understand the differences better.
#1 Active ingredients: Focalin contains just one active ingredient, dexmethylphenidate, which is the active form of methylphenidate. Adderall contains two active ingredients, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which are both stimulants.
#2 Dosage: Focalin is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, while Adderall is only available in immediate-release form. Adderall XR is extended-release form.
#3 Duration of action: The effects of Focalin typically last for about four hours, while the effects of Adderall typically last for about six to eight hours.
#4 Metabolism: Focalin is metabolized by the liver, while Adderall is metabolized by the liver and kidneys.
#5 Side effects: Both medications can cause side effects such as loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and stomach upset. However, Adderall has the potential to cause more serious side effects such as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and psychiatric problems.
#6 Drug interactions: Both medications have the potential to interact with other medications, and it’s important to inform the healthcare provider about all medications and supplements in use prior to taking Focalin or Adderall.
Comparison of efficacy of Focalin and Adderall and their suitability
Both medications have been shown to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms, such as improving attention and focus, and decreasing impulsivity. However, the efficacy of the two medications may vary from person to person. Some individuals may find that one medication works better for them than the other, or may have different side effect profiles. Focalin has not been approved by the FDA for adults, but only for children above the age of 6 years. Adderall is approved for adults as well as children. The most effective way to determine suitability of either of the medications is to follow the advice of the treating specialist. Doctors help determine the most effective treatment for patients based on specific needs and medical history. This may also involve a deeper understanding of how the two medications work and the interactions with other medications or existing conditions.
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Florida. Experience: 5 years as a pharmacist and medical writer, creating content on medication management and pharmaceutical news for healthcare blogs and patient education sites.
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