Focalin Vs Adderall: Which Is Much More Effective?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition with a wide range of treatment options. However, not all treatments are created equal, and not every treatment works for everyone. 

ADHD is often treated with prescription drugs, such as Focalin or Adderall. However, it is important to understand how each medication works before deciding which one is right for you. 

In this post, we will provide you with all the information you need to understand what Focalin is and what Adderall is. This way, you can be prepared when speaking to your doctor about your ADHD treatment options.

The Differences Between The Terms: Focalin Vs Adderall

Focalin and Adderall are CNS stimulants that increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels, improving wakefulness and attention. They differ in active ingredients, prescription requirements, indications, and side effects. Both have high potential for abuse and dependence, with Adderall being more popular. Focalin IR has more dosage options, while Adderall XR is usually cheaper.

1. Active Ingredients

Dexmethylphenidate is the active substance of Focalin.

Methylphenidate is also the active substance of Ritalin and is chemically related to amphetamine.

Adderall, on the other hand, is made up of amphetamines (methamphetamines) and dextran amines (mixtures of amphetamines).

2. Working Procedure

Both of these medications are classified as central nervous system stimulants (CNS stimulants).

How do CNS stimulants work?

While the exact mechanism of action has yet to be fully elucidated, it is known that they stimulate activity in the central nervous system (CNS).

These stimulants are thought to work by increasing the levels of dopamine (the neurotransmitter dopamine) in the nervous system, as well as norepinephrine (the neurotransmitter norepinephrine), both of which are involved in the transmission of messages between nerve cells (norepinephrine and dopamine).

The production of these neurotransmitters is thought to improve focus and concentration, as well as reduce impulsivity.

3. Side Effects

The following are the common side effects of the following drugs that will let you better understand Adderall vs Focalin:

Focalin

• Appetite and weight loss
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Indigestion
• Dizziness
• Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• Changes in blood pressure, including high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Vision changes

Adderall

• Appetite and weight loss
• Digestive issues, such as stomach pain or nausea
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Mood swings
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat/palpitations
• Changes in sex drive/impotence
• Speech problems
• Worsening of tics
• Excess sweating
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Hypertension
• Vision changes

4. Potential For Abuse

Focalin, like Adderall, is addictive and has a high abuse potential and is classified as a controlled substance under "Schedule II". It is not unusual for people who take either of these drugs for a long period of time to develop a psychological dependency on them. People may also develop tolerance, which is when they need a higher dose to get the same level of symptom relief. Both of these drugs can cause withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.

While there is no direct comparison between the two drugs in terms of abuse or addiction potential, it is probable that they are similar and high in both aspects.

Adderall is more commonly taken by college students who use it to study, pass exams, and even lose weight.

5. Formulations And Effect

Focalin has immediate-release (IR) forms with a duration of 4 to 6 hours, similar to Adderall IR. Extended-release (XR) forms provide a sustained psychostimulant effect for up to 12 hours. Focalin IR has three dosage options, while Adderall IR has seven. Focalin XR has more options. IR forms are generally cheaper than XR, but brand-name Adderall XR is usually cheaper. Both Focalin and Adderall are available as generics.

Final Thoughts

As seen in Focalin vs Adderall, both Focalin and Adderall are effective drugs. However, considering their longevity, Focalin having immediate release (immediately the drug gets dissolved and absorbed by the body), having potential effect in the body for 4 to 6 hours. On the contrary, Adderall having extended release (gets absorbed in the body and lasts long in the system just as the opposite of immediate release). The drug stays in the system for up to 12 hours. This means that while Focalin is easily absorbed almost immediately, it does not last long. In comparison to this, Adderall takes time to get absorbed in the body and stays for long. This indicates that Adderall is much more effective than Focalin.