How does focalin differ from ritalin

Long-acting methylphenidate medications are available in the following strengths in milligrams mg :. This means that the effect lasts for 10—12 hours, which covers the major part of the day. Some people need a longer effect of methylphenidate after the effect of the long-acting drug wears off. In these cases, they can take a short-acting stimulant later in the day. People can open the capsule of Biphentin and sprinkle it into food if they have difficulty swallowing pills.

Concerta capsules use osmotic-controlled release oral delivery system OROS technology to release methylphenidate. When a person swallows Concerta, fluid from the stomach and intestines enter the tablet and push the medication out of the pill slowly throughout the day. Similar to Biphentin, the medication will last for 10—12 hours. At the end of the effect of the medication, people can use a short-acting methylphenidate form if needed. People should not cut or crush Concerta capsules.

People who cannot swallow pills may have difficulty taking Concerta. This product does not use the OROS technology for releasing the medication. The major reason that people choose the generic form instead of Concerta is its lower cost. However, no clinical studies have confirmed that this generic provides the same effect as Concerta.

Some doctors have reported behavioral changes when people switch from Concerta to its generic equivalent. Caregivers, individuals, pharmacists, and doctors should report any behavioral changes they observe. Ritalin LA is an extended-release tablet that releases half of the medication at once and the other half slowly throughout the day.

People should not crush, chew, or split this tablet. Daytrana is a methylphenidate patch that a person puts on their hip. Researchers have studied its effects in children aged 6—12 and those aged 13— A person applies this patch to their skin 2 hours before they need the effects of the medication. The person should remove the patch after a maximum of 9 hours. Methylphenidate is also available in short-acting formulations.

Ritalin, Ritalin SR, and their generic equivalents release methylphenidate immediately, but the effect does not last long. People must take multiple doses per day of these short-acting medicines to achieve the desired effect. Doctors prefer to prescribe long-acting stimulants and add a short-acting medicine if the person needs additional help after the effect of the long-acting drug wears off. Dextro-methylphenidate is a variation of methylphenidate present in Focalin and Focalin XR.

This variation of methylphenidate is more active than its typical counterpart. It is available in a short- and long-acting formulation. Focalin and Focalin XR are available in the following strengths:. A person can open these capsules and sprinkle them into food. Doctors can prescribe Focalin and Focalin XR to all age groups. Amphetamines are a type of stimulant that increases the release of both dopamine and norepinephrine.

These products are available in the following strengths:. Amphetamines are also available in both long-acting and short-acting formulations. We discuss each amphetamine stimulant in more detail below.

Dextro-amphetamine is the main active ingredient in Adderall XR. Doctors can prescribe this medication to children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. As a long-acting medication, it provides symptom control for 10—12 hours. Sometimes, doctors will need to prescribe a short-acting amphetamine drug to provide symptom control later in the afternoon.

Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine, which is an inactive form of amphetamine. When a person takes Vyvanse, their body transforms the inactive medicine into dextroamphetamine. Vyvanse has similar effects to Adderall XR. Adults who take Vyvanse can gain 14 hours of symptom control. Dexedrine Spansules will last about 6—8 hours. In general, Adderall and Ritalin cost about the same.

The amount you pay for the drugs will depend on your health insurance plan. Some health insurance plans only cover the generic versions of the drugs. Adderall and Ritalin are usually available at most pharmacies. However, these drugs can have shortages, so they may not be available at all times. Call your pharmacy ahead of time to find out if your medication is available.

These two medications can cause effects in people with certain medical conditions. People with certain health issues may need to avoid taking these drugs. The chart below lists medical conditions you should discuss with your doctor before taking Adderall or Ritalin. Both medications are pregnancy category C drugs.

This means animal studies of the drugs have shown side effects on the fetus. Adderall can pass into breast milk, which means the drug may pass to your child when you breastfeed them. Some studies show that Ritalin can also pass from mother to child through breast milk. These drugs may cause side effects in your child.

Talk to your doctor if you take Adderall or Ritalin. Adderall and Ritalin both interact with certain other drugs. Make sure you tell your doctor about all of the prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbs you take. This way, your doctor can watch for drug interactions. According to a review of studies spanning 40 years, stimulant medications are effective in treating 70 to 80 percent of children and adults with ADHD.

With that being said, there are some minor differences between the two drugs, such as how quickly and how long they work in your body. Work with your doctor to find the best drug for your ADHD. From missed symptoms to misdiagnoses, women with ADHD fight a unique battle of their own. You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at Overdosing with methylphenidate or dexmethylphenidate may lead to nausea and vomiting, rapid heart beat, abnormal heart rhythms, paranoia, hallucinations and seizures.

Medications like methylphenidate or dexmethylphenidate should be avoided in individuals who have a heart defect structural abnormalities , uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a disorder of the heart or blood vessels. Both methylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate are rarely associated with clinically significant increases in blood pressure or heart rate.

Methylphenidate or dexmethylphenidate is a Schedule II controlled substance, similar to other stimulant medications, such as amphetamine, mixed amphetamine salts, dextroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine. Although treatment with these medications can slow growth, many studies have shown that these changes are small, and children may catch-up with growth over time, therefore this should not be a concern for most children.

Height, weight, and eating habits should be discussed before treatment starts and regularly during treatment. If you are concerned about a child's growth, discuss other possible treatments with your child's doctor. Medications used to treat depression such as tricyclic antidepressants TCA and monoamine oxidase inhibitors can interact with these medications resulting in serious reactions, including high body temperature, high blood pressure, and seizures convulsions.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are beginning or have recently discontinued any of these medications. Taking stimulants with or within 2 weeks of MAOIs can result in seizures, fever or dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to death.

Methylphenidate or dexmethylphenidate may increase the levels and effects of: some seizure medications such as phenobarbital or phenytoin, warfarin, and tricyclic antidepressants such as desipramine or clomipramine.

Methylphenidate or dexmethylphenidate may decrease the levels and effects of: some blood pressure medications such as clonidine, guanfacine, guanethidine and guanadrel. Although you may experience beneficial effects from methylphenidate or dexmethylphenidate within a few days of starting the medication, it often takes several weeks to get the full effect of the medication.

Your healthcare provider may also need to adjust gradually the dose to find the dose that works best for you. Medications like methylphenidate or dexmethylphenidate should be given cautiously to patients with a history of drug dependence or alcoholism. Chronic abusive use can lead to marked tolerance and psychological dependence. Psychotic episodes can occur, especially when injected.

Careful supervision is required during withdrawal from abusive use, since severe depression may occur. Withdrawal following chronic therapeutic use may unmask symptoms of the underlying disorder that may require follow-up.

Last Updated: January This information is being provided as a community outreach effort of the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists. This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This information contains a summary of important points and is not an exhaustive review of information about the medication.

Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding medications or medical conditions. Never delay seeking professional medical advice or disregard medical professional advice as a result of any information provided herein.

The College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists disclaims any and all liability alleged as a result of the information provided herein. Search Close Menu. Sign In About Mental Illness. About Mental Illness Treatments. About Mental Illness Research. Your Journey Individuals with Mental Illness.