Focalin XR Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate)	Adderall (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine)	Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)	Enter another drug to compare

Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate)

Adderall (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine)

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

Prescription only

Focalin XR is an extended-release capsule that only needs to be taken once daily. It improves the symptoms of ADHD but carries with it a risk of dependence. Prescribed for ADHD. Focalin XR may also... View more

Prescription only

Adderall is a combination of four different amphetamine salts and may be used to improve attention, focus, or reduce impulsive behaviors in children over the age of 3 and adults with ADHD. It can... View more

Prescription only

Vyvanse is a stimulant used for the treatment of ADHD to reduce symptoms such as impulsiveness and hyperactivity and to increase attention. It can also help increase the number of binge-free days per... View more

More about Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate)

More about Adderall (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine)

More about Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

Ratings & Reviews

Focalin XR has an average rating of 6.8 out of 10 from a total of 117 ratings on Drugs.com. 59% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 24% reported a negative effect.

Adderall has an average rating of 7.3 out of 10 from a total of 507 ratings on Drugs.com. 63% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 18% reported a negative effect.

Vyvanse has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 976 ratings on Drugs.com. 65% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 15% reported a negative effect.

View all 117 reviews

View all 507 reviews

View all 976 reviews

Side Effects Experienced by Users Side effects are reported in Drugs.com user reviews and not clinically verified.

Loss of appetite (18.8%)
Anxiety (15.4%)
Anger (6.8%)
Depression (6.8%)
Insomnia (6.8%)
Tremors (6.0%)
Nausea (5.1%)

View all Focalin XR side effects

Anxiety (8.5%)
Insomnia (6.9%)
Depression (6.3%)
Loss of appetite (5.9%)
Irritability (5.5%)
Tiredness (5.3%)
Headaches (5.1%)

View all Adderall side effects

Anxiety (14.8%)
Loss of appetite (13.2%)
Depression (10.5%)
Insomnia (7.9%)
Irritability (7.1%)
Dry mouth (6.0%)
Anger (5.8%)

View all Vyvanse side effects

Drug Class

CNS stimulants

CNS stimulants

CNS stimulants

Generic Availability

Lower cost generic approved

Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance

Quantity	100 capsule, extended release
Strength	10 mg
Per unit^*	$5.43
Cost^*	$542.75

View all Focalin XR prices

Quantity	100 tablet
Strength	5 mg
Per unit^*	$12.62
Cost^*	$1,262.31

View all Adderall prices

Quantity	100 capsule
Strength	30 mg
Per unit^*	$13.90
Cost^*	$1,389.89

View all Vyvanse prices

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Dosage Forms

Oral capsule, extended release

Oral tablet

Oral capsule
Oral tablet, chewable

Half Life Drug half-life is the time required for plasma concentration to reduce to half its original value.

3 hours

14 hours

1 hour

CSA Schedule ¹ View glossary of CSA terms

High potential for abuse

Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

High potential for abuse

Pregnancy Category

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 204 drugs are known to interact with Focalin XR:

22 major drug interactions (98 brand and generic names)
172 moderate drug interactions (736 brand and generic names)
10 minor drug interactions (29 brand and generic names)

A total of 220 drugs are known to interact with Adderall:

38 major drug interactions (135 brand and generic names)
174 moderate drug interactions (940 brand and generic names)
8 minor drug interactions (28 brand and generic names)

A total of 395 drugs are known to interact with Vyvanse:

100 major drug interactions (303 brand and generic names)
286 moderate drug interactions (1405 brand and generic names)
9 minor drug interactions (27 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Using amphetamine together with alcohol can increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects such... View more

Using lisdexamfetamine together with alcohol can increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

May 26, 2005

January 19, 1960

February 23, 2007

WADA Class View classifications

N/A

S6 - Stimulants

More Information

Patient Resources

Focalin XR uses

Adderall uses

Vyvanse uses

Professional Resources

Prescribing information

Prescribing information

Prescribing information

¹ The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Focalin XR Alternatives Compared

See also:

Adderall

Vyvanse

Botox

Strattera

Concerta

Ritalin

Adderall XR

Focalin

Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine

Lisdexamfetamine

Further information

Focalin XR Alternatives Compared

See also:

Further information

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