Those who use medication for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) might wonder the differences of Focalin vs Adderall. Both of these medications are used to treat the disorder through various interventions.
What is Focalin vs Adderall?
Focalin is a dexmethylphenidate whereas Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. You may be wondering is Focalin a stimulant? Or is Adderall a stimulant? Both of these medications belong to the drug class called stimulants.
These medications are used to help those with ADHD by increasing their ability to pay attention or stay focused on an activity. The medication can help to improve organization and listening skills for those who struggle with this as well as to increase impulse control.
Focalin is a controlled substance and a prescription is necessary to use this medication. Focalin is a Scheduled II controlled substance. It is important to discuss with your doctor the best options for you taking this drug and to follow your doctors orders when taking this prescription medication.
How long does Focalin last?
The length in which a drug lasts in your system varies per person. This information included here is only a suggested amount of time and not a finite number.
Focalin is prescribed in different versions: immediate-release or extended-release. The half-life of immediate-release is around 2.2 hours while the half-life of extended-release is around 4.5 to 7 hours. It can take around 5 to 6 half-lives for the drug to be fully out of someone’s system.
There are many factors that can impact these estimates such as metabolism and overall health. Younger, healthier individuals will eliminate the substance from their system quicker than others. Also the liver is responsible for metabolising the drug, so those with an impaired liver may notice it takes longer for the prescription medication to be eliminated from their system.
For these reason, it is very important to follow your doctor’s prescription for this medication as they can better account for your unique needs.
Side effects of stimulants
Common side effects of Focalin include:
- Dry mouth
- Rapid heart rate or palpitations
- Restlessness, nervousness
- Sleep issues such as insomnia
- Constipation, diarrhea, nausea
- Loss of appetite, weight loss
- Blood pressure elevation
Common side effects of Adderall can include:
- Dry mouth
- Rapid heart rate or palpitations
- Restlessness, nervousness
- Mood changes
- Headaches
- Sleep issues such as insomnia
- Constipation, diarrhea, nausea
- Loss of appetite, weight loss
- Blood pressure elevation
These are not complete lists of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice if you are experiencing any side effects.
Disclaimer
The information included in this page is not a substitute for medical advice. The list of side effects may not include all side effects as drugs can affect all people differently. Any dosage information may not include all dosage information. It is important to discuss with a medical professional that knows your medical history well which dosage is right for you and if there are any potential risks or possible side effects. Our goal is to provide relevant information but this page may not include all up-to-date information.