Methylphenidate vs Focalin: A Complete Side-by-Side Comparison

Staying focused is not easy in daily life. With ADHD, it becomes more harder to focus and balance things. ADHD is a disorder where a person has difficulty focusing and paying attention. To treat ADHD, there are many options available in the market. This make quite confusing to choose the right one. From all ADHD treatments we will discuss about two well-known ADHD treatments which are Methylphenidate and Focalin in this blog. Knowing about them will help you to make a right decision of choosing best and make you aware of their risks.  Now we start exploring Methylphenidate vs Focalin comparison with their uses, doses and side effects.

Difference Between Focalin and Methylphenidate​

Both Methylphenidate and Focalin are prescribed to treat ADHD which helps improve focus, attention and impulse control. Methylphenidate is an active ingredient in some ADHD medicines but Focalin is a specific part of methylphenidate. Although both are closely similar, they work s in different ways in the body. Their effects feel different in some cases. Before comparing Focalin vs Methylphenidate, we have to understand those medicines with their mechanisms and uses.

What is Methylphenidate?

Methylphenidate is the generic name of Ritalin and Concerta. It is a prescription treatment for ADHD and sometimes it is prescribed to manage narcolepsy. Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs called CNS stimulants because it affects the central nervous system. It works by affecting some chemicals in the brain and the central nervous system, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals play a vital role in attention, motivation and behaviour control. Methylphenidate prevents the reabsorption of these chemicals, which leads the increasing the level of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This action results in improving the communication between cells, mainly those areas that control focus and attention.

What is Focalin?

Focalin is the brand name of dexmethylphenidate. It is the most active part of methylphenidate. Focalin is commonly prescribed to treat ADHD and improve focus, attention, and self-control. It is a CNS stimulant. Focalin works as methylphenidate by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are responsible for attention, motivation and alertness. Focalin increases the intensity of their works which helps to improve focus and reduce impulsive behaviour. The effectiveness is same when comparing Focalin with Adderall.

Methylphenidate vs Focalin Differences

Focalin and Methylphenidate both are closely related to each other but not identical. The main difference is their chemical structure. Methylphenidate has two mirror images of the same drug. Focalin has the only active version of the drug. Because of this, Focalin is considered more concentrated which means the lower dose of Focalin can produce the same effect as methylphenidate. Focalin contains the active part, so the dose of Focalin is half of the dose of methylphenidate prescribed to produce the same effect. The duration of the effect can vary and depends on whether it is immediate relief or extended relief. The main difference is that Focalin is the purified version of Methylphenidate.

Methylphenidate vs Focalin Doses

Methylphenidate and Folicin are also different from each other on the basis of doses. Methylphenidate contains two mirror forms of the same compound, while Focalin contains only one, and the active form. For this reason, the strength of a Focalin dose is similar to twice the same dose of Methylphenidate. For example the 5 mg of Focalin is equivalent to the 10 mg of Methylphenidate. It can vary from person to person. Doctor adjust the dose amount step by step to find the right balance.

Methylphenidate vs Focalin side effects

Both Methylphenidate and Focalin are CNS stimulants and can cause some unwanted effects like insomnia, headache and stomach pain. Although both have similar side effects, Focalin side effects feel slightly different in some cases because it is the refined form of methylphenidate.

Methylphenidate Side Effects

Methylphenidate can cause mild to moderate side effects. Mainly at the beginning of treatment it shows some unwanted effects.

• anorexia
• Trouble sleeping
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety
• Mood changes

Focalin Side Effects

Focalin has the active part of methylphenidate so it carries slightly different side effects.

• anorexia
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Irritability
• Increase in blood pressure

Risk of Addiction to Methylphenidate and Foclin

Methylphenidate and Focalin are classified as Schedule II controlled substances because of their potency of addiction and dependency. Both medicines work by increasing the level of dopamine in the brain, which creates a risk of misuse. Focalin contains the active part, which makes it work in lower doses. Both carry a similar risk of addiction because both work in the same way. The risk of addiction is high when abusing it without a prescription. If you are suffering from these addiction Group & Individual Therapy is very helpful to recover.

Feature	Methylphenidate	Focalin
Generic Name	Methylphenidate	Dexmethylphenidate
Brand Examples	Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana	Focalin, Focalin XR
Active Component	Two mirror images of the same drug	Only the active component
Uses	ADHD, Narcolepsy	ADHD
Strength	Standard potency	Twice as powerful as the same mg of methylphenidate
Duration	IR: 3 to 4 hoursXR: 6 to 12 hours	IR: 4 to 5 hoursXR: 8 to 12 hours
Side Effects	Appetite loss, insomnia, anxiety, increasing heart rate, headache	Similar to methylphenidate but may be slightly stronger per mg

Can you take Methylphenidate and Focalin together?

Methylphenidate and Focalin both act as stimulants and work in the same way but Focalin feels stronger than methylphenidate. For this reason, doctor doesn’t prescribe taking methylphenidate with Focalin. Taking both together can increase the intensity of effects and the risk of side effects like increased heartbeat and blood pressure, anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. When needed, doctor chooses one of these medicines without mixing them.

Conclusion:

Methylphenidate and Focalin are widely prescribed to treat ADHD. But they are not equal. Both are different from each other by their chemical structure. Methylphenidate contains two mirror images of the same medicine, while Focalin contains the active one. That makes it work at a lower dose. Both have same side effects and the same risk of addiction and may need prescription drug addiction treatments. Methylphenidate and Focalin together may become dangerous. Choosing the right one between these options will depends on your needs, health history, and your doctor’s prescription.