Your session is about to expire
Focalin vs Dexedrine
Introduction
For patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), certain drugs that alter the concentrations of compounds in the brain called neurotransmitters can help manage symptoms and improve focus and attention. Focalin and Dexedrine are two such medications commonly prescribed for ADHD. They each impact different neurotransmitters, but both have effects in enhancing attention span and reducing hyperactive behaviors. Focalin is a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, affecting levels of dopamine by blocking its reabsorption into the neurons. Dexedrine, on the other hand, belongs to a class of drugs known as amphetamines which increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain promoting concentration and focus.
What is Focalin?
Dexmethylphenidate (the generic name for Focalin) was a significant advancement in the class of stimulant medications used to treat ADHD, following the first wave of drugs such as amphetamines like dextroamphetamine (the active ingredient in Dexedrine). Approved by the FDA in 2001, Focalin works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, effectively prolonging their availability. It is commonly prescribed for treating different forms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Unlike Dexedrine that affects both serotonin and norepinephrine along with dopamine, Focalin primarily influences only dopamine and norepinephrine. This selective action results in it having fewer side effects than other stimulant medications that have stronger effects on these neurotransmitters.
What conditions is Focalin approved to treat?
Focalin is approved for the treatment of various types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
- Predominantly inattentive type ADHD, often characterized by difficulty focusing and completing tasks
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD, commonly associated with impulsivity and restlessness
- Combined type ADHD, which includes symptoms from both aforementioned categories.
Dexedrine is also used for similar conditions but can additionally be used to treat narcolepsy.
How does Focalin help with these illnesses?
Focalin helps to manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine available in the synapses of the brain. It does this by blocking their reuptake into neurons, so levels can be maintained higher for longer periods of time. Both dopamine and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that play crucial roles in attention, impulse control, executive function, motivation, mental focus and cognitive performance. In individuals with ADHD, there is typically a relative imbalance or inefficiency in these neurotransmitter systems. Therefore, by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels through Focalin administration, it can limit the negative effects of ADHD helping patients better manage their condition and improve focus.
What is Dexedrine?
Dexedrine is a brand name for dextroamphetamine, which is a central nervous system stimulant. It functions by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain by reducing their reabsorption, enhancing focus, attention span and decreasing impulsivity and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD. Dexedrine also works on serotonin but to a lesser extent compared to dopamine and norepinephrine.
Dexedrine was first approved by the FDA back in 1976. Unlike Focalin which is strictly a dopamine reuptake inhibitor (and does not inhibit the reuptake of serotonin), Dexedrine acts on multiple neurotransmitters. This difference indicates that its side-effect profile may vary from Focalin's; it doesn't typically cause sedation, but might lead to weight loss or decreased appetite (common effects associated with CNS stimulants). The impact on both dopamine and norepinephrine can be beneficial for treating ADHD symptoms, particularly for those who don't respond optimally to other medications such as Focalin.
What conditions is Dexedrine approved to treat?
Dexedrine is approved by the FDA for use in treating several conditions, including:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), helping to increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity.
- Narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep.
How does Dexedrine help with these illnesses?
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays significant roles in the brain's reward and pleasure centers, as well as regulating movement and emotional responses. In disorders such as ADHD, there are imbalances of dopamine levels within the brain. Dexedrine works by increasing the availability of dopamine in the central nervous system, thereby mitigating some symptoms of ADHD including lack of focus, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Its mechanism focuses on stimulating both norepinephrine and dopamine release in your brain — unlike Focalin which primarily targets dopamine — potentially offering more comprehensive symptom management for certain patients. Although it does not significantly affect serotonin levels like typical SSRI antidepressants do (like Prozac), Dexedrine can be particularly effective when other stimulant medications have failed to yield desired results or cannot be used due to specific patient factors.
How effective are both Focalin and Dexedrine?
Both dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) have established histories of success in treating patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and were approved by the FDA about four decades apart. As they act on similar neurotransmitters, but in subtly different ways, they may be prescribed under different circumstances.
The efficacy of Focalin and Dexedrine was directly compared in a randomized controlled trial conducted in 2005; both drugs exhibited similar effectiveness at managing symptoms of ADHD as well as comparable safety profiles. In this study, none of the various metrics used to measure treatment effectiveness differed significantly between patients receiving Focalin or Dexedrine. A 2011 clinical trial studying Focalin against Dexedrine found that while both medications are effective for reducing ADHD symptoms, some individuals responded better to one medication over the other due to individual differences in metabolism and side effect tolerance.
A meta-analysis published in 2013 confirmed that Focalin is effective from the first dose onwards at alleviating symptoms of ADHD. Its side effect profile is generally considered favorable compared to many other stimulant medications, it's well-tolerated across age groups including children aged six years old upwards; it has also become one of the most widely-prescribed psychostimulants worldwide since its introduction.
Meanwhile, reviews indicate that Dexedrine seems more potent than placebo when treating ADHD symptoms and appears equally efficacious compared with other common stimulant medications. However, like all amphetamine-based treatments, it does carry risks related to potential misuse or dependency which need consideration during prescribing decisions. Significant research on its use involves assessing how co-prescribing alongside non-stimulant options can enhance therapeutic outcomes without increasing adverse effects significantly.
At what dose is Focalin typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Focalin range from 2.5–40 mg/day, but most patients find that a dosage of 10 mg/day is sufficient for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children and adolescents may be started on 2.5 mg twice daily. In either population, the dosage can be increased after a week if there is no significant response to treatment. However, caution must be exercised as the maximum dosage that should not exceed per day is 40 mg for adults and children aged above six years old.
Find Top Clinical Trials
Choose from over 30,000 active clinical trials.
At what dose is Dexedrine typically prescribed?
Dexedrine treatment is typically initiated at a low dosage of 5mg per day for children up to the age of six, and 10 mg daily for patients over the age of six. This dose can then be gradually increased by 5mg at weekly intervals until an optimal response is obtained. The maximum recommended daily dose is usually 40 mg, but some patients may require higher doses under medical supervision. Doses are usually taken twice daily, with the first one in the morning upon waking and the second midday or early afternoon no later than 6 p.m., to avoid interference with sleep patterns. If there's no significant symptomatic improvement after several weeks on this regimen, it would be reviewed by your healthcare provider.
What are the most common side effects for Focalin?
Common side effects that can occur when taking Focalin include:
- Nervousness
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Loss of appetite which may lead to weight loss
- Abdominal pain, nausea, and other digestive issues
- Increased heart rate or palpitations
- Dizziness and possible fainting spells
- Dry mouth, increased sweating
- Mild skin rash or itching
Meanwhile, those who take Dexedrine might experience:
- Nervousness and restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Uncontrolled movements or voices sounds (tics)
- Changes in sexual desire or ability
- Fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat
- Tremor (shaking), headaches/migraines,
- Dry Mouth.
It is important to remember that these medications affect everyone differently; an individual's reaction will depend on their overall health condition, the dosage used, interactions with other drugs they may be taking among others factors. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Focalin?
Focalin and Dexedrine are both stimulant medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, even though they may offer similar benefits, they can also cause some serious side effects. Some of the potential adverse reactions include:
- New or worsening mental/mood changes such as paranoia or depression
- Unusual behaviors including aggression, agitation, anxiety or suicidal thoughts
- Signs of an allergic reaction like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered skin with/without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Vision changes such as blurred vision
- Heart problems like chest pain, fast heartbeat/pounding in your chest and shortness of breath that may lead to fainting
- Low potassium levels - muscle cramps or weakness, irregular heartbeats
- Severe nervous system symptoms - uncontrolled movements/twitching, shakiness (tremors), seizures Serotonin syndrome: This is a potentially life-threatening condition that's associated with increased serotonin in the brain. It's more likely to occur when starting treatment. Symptoms include restlessness/agitation, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there), rapid heartbeat, fever/sweating/shivering over your whole body.
If any of these side effects occur while taking either Focalin or Dexedrine you should seek immediate medical attention.
What are the most common side effects for Dexedrine?
While Focalin may have its own range of side effects, it's important to understand the potential impact of Dexedrine on your body. With Dexedrine, you might experience:
- A dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Headache or dizziness
- Restlessness or difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Digestive issues such as stomach pain, nausea and constipation
- Weight loss due to decreased appetite
- Increased heart rate that may make you feel nervous or jittery
- Tremors and excessive sweating In some cases, more severe symptoms like blurred vision, confusion, agitation or even hostility could occur. It can also cause a rash in rare instances. Furthermore, one might notice increased urination and muscle or joint pain while taking this medication.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Dexedrine?
While Dexedrine is effective in managing symptoms of ADHD and narcolepsy, it's important to be aware that it can occasionally cause serious side effects. These may include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling around the face or throat
- Mood swings with extreme agitation or feeling unusually suspicious (paranoia)
- Thoughts about suicide or self-harm
- Heart problems including chest pain, uneven heartbeats, and shortness of breath
- Symptoms indicative of circulation issues like numbness, cold feelings in fingers/toes, changing skin colors from pale to blue/purple
- Unusual behaviors such as hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there), mental/mood changes including uncontrolled movements/twitching
If you experience any of these potential warning signs while taking Dexedrine, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
Contraindications for Focalin and Dexedrine?
Both Focalin and Dexedrine, like most other stimulant medications, may worsen symptoms of anxiety or agitation in some people. If you notice your anxiety worsening, or an increase in restlessness, erratic behavior, or thoughts of self-harm, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Focalin nor Dexedrine should be taken if you are taking, or have been taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors within the past two weeks. Always inform your physician about which medications you are currently using; MAOIs will require a period of about 14 days to clear from the system to prevent dangerous interactions with Focalin and Dexedrine.
How much do Focalin and Dexedrine cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 60 tablets of Focalin XR (10 mg) averages around $400, which works out to about $13.33 per day.
- The price for 60 capsules of Dexedrine Spansule (15 mg) is approximately $200, working out to roughly $3.33 a day.
Hence, if you require higher doses such as 30mg/day or more for Focalin XR, then Dexedrine can be less expensive on a daily treatment basis. However, cost should not be your primary consideration when deciding between these two medications.
As for the generic versions:
- Dexmethylphenidate HCL (the active ingredient in Focalin) costs around $1 to $4 per day at typical dosages ranging from 5mg to 20mg.
- Dextroamphetamine sulfate ER (generic version of Dexedrine spansule), costs are relatively lower with prices ranging from approximately $0.50 - $2 per day depending upon dosage requirements between 5 and 60 mg/day.
Please note that prices may vary based on location and pharmacy policies among other factors.
Popularity of Focalin and Dexedrine
Dexmethylphenidate, also known by its brand name Focalin, was estimated to have been prescribed to about 2.1 million people in the US in 2020. Dexmethylphenidate accounted for around 5% of prescriptions for ADHD medications in the US. Although it is not classified as an amphetamine (like Adderall) or a methylphenidate (like Ritalin), dexmethylphenidate has seen a general increase in use over the past few years.
On the other hand, dextroamphetamine, including brand versions such as Dexedrine and ProCentra, was prescribed to roughly 400 thousand people in the USA during the same year. In terms of overall ADHD medication prescriptions within America, dextroamphetamine accounts for just under 1%. The prevalence of this particular drug has remained relatively steady over the last decade.
Conclusion
Both Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) have long been used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with numerous clinical studies supporting their effectiveness over placebo. They may occasionally be combined, but this should be done under careful supervision by a physician due to potential synergistic effects on heart rate and blood pressure. Each drug operates differently, with Focalin primarily affecting dopamine reuptake inhibition and Dexedrine influencing both dopamine release and reuptake.
Focalin is often seen as a first-line option for ADHD therapy due to its lower potency compared to Dexedrine, making it less likely to cause side effects like insomnia or decreased appetite. However, if patients do not respond well to initial treatment or are unable to tolerate the side effects of Focalin, then Dexedrine might be considered.
Both medications are available as generics which can make them more affordable for those paying out-of-pocket. Their therapeutic effect is typically felt quickly after dosing but some adjustment time may be necessary when therapy starts or doses change.
The side effect profile between these two medications is similar; they're usually well-tolerated but can lead to issues such as insomnia, dry mouth or loss of appetite. For both drugs, patients must closely monitor their symptoms especially during initiation of therapy or any changes in dose - immediate medical help should be sought if there's an unusual increase in heart rate/blood pressure or other serious adverse reactions occur.