What is the Difference Between Adderall XR and Focalin XR? 

While medication is an effective way to treat ADHD symptoms, deciding which formula to try can be tricky. If your ADHD is causing you to forget to take a second dose of your medication, then you may be looking for an alternative, specifically extended-release medications. 

The comparison guide below can help you navigate the similarities and differences between two extended-release medications—Adderall XR and Focalin XR—so you can have an informed discussion with your healthcare provider. 

With the help of Klarity, you’ll be seen by an online medical provider within 48 hours to discuss your symptoms and determine if ADHD medication like Adderall XR or Focalin XR is right for you.
If you have ADHD and want to discuss potential ADHD treatment with extended-release medications like these, schedule an appointment on Klarity today.

What is Adderall XR?

Adderall XR is the time-released version of the standard Adderall formula. The active medications in Adderall XR are amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, two central nervous system stimulants that work together to affect neurotransmitters in the brain. Adderall XR helps relieve symptoms of ADHD, including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.

Forms and Dosages

Adderall XR comes in 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg slow-dissolving capsules. The extended-release capsules allow for a steady stream of medication to remain in the body for up to 12 hours. It’s important to take this medication first thing in the morning, with or without food, as the effects will last most of the day and taper off towards the evening.

Adult dosages normally start at 20 mg once daily. When taking Adderall XR, you may swallow the capsule whole or break it open and mix it with applesauce. 

Conditions Treated

Adderall XR is FDA-approved to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but also retains some applications with sleep disorders, most notably for the treatment of narcolepsy.

Costs

If you do not have health insurance, you may be paying as much as $180 for a one-month supply of generic Adderall XR and approximately $300 for a branded version of the same quantity. Contact your health insurance provider for more information on Adderall XR pricing under your current plan. Generic Adderall XR is more affordable than branded Adderall XR. For those without health insurance, online coupons can help knock the price down substantially. 

Side Effects

Common side effects of Adderall XR include:

• Dry mouth
• Low appetite
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Racing pulse
• Mood imbalance
• Stomach pain

Less common but more severe side effects of Adderall XR include but are not limited to:

• Seizures
• Eyesight instability
• Urinary tract infection
• Nausea
• Fever
• Stroke
• Heart attack

If you have any kind of allergic reaction to this medication (hives, swelling, itching, trouble breathing), seek immediate emergency medical attention. 

Warnings and Drug Interactions

Crushing or chewing the capsule can result in a deadly condition called “serotonin syndrome.” This condition occurs when the brain is flooded with serotonin and is highly dangerous. Serotonin syndrome can lead to stroke, heart attack, and death. 

Suddenly stopping this medication may put you in a state of withdrawal. Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance and can lead to abuse and addiction. Do not immediately stop this medication without first consulting with your healthcare provider. You should avoid taking the following medications while on Adderall XR:

• MAO inhibitors (procarbazine, metaxalone, etc.)
• Medications that raise blood pressure
• SSRIs 
• SNRIs
• Medications containing lisdexamfetamine

Dependency Warning

Adderall XR (extended-release) is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it carries a high risk of dependency and abuse and should only be used as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Although Adderall XR releases the medication gradually over an extended period, providing a longer duration of action, it still contains the same active ingredients as immediate-release Adderall and carries a similar risk of addiction.

Misuse of Adderall XR, such as taking higher doses or using it in ways not directed by your healthcare provider, can increase the risk of dependency. The gradual and prolonged release of the medication may create a false sense of safety to misuse, but it’s important to remember that adherence to prescribed dosages is crucial to minimize the risk of abuse.

Abruptly stopping Adderall XR can result in withdrawal symptoms. The body may struggle to readjust to functioning without the medication, leading to physical and psychological discomfort. Withdrawal symptoms can include extreme fatigue, persistent depression, and disrupted sleep patterns. If you want to stop taking Adderall XR, ask your healthcare provider for guidance on tapering off the medication to minimize withdrawal effects.

Before taking Adderall XR, It’s important to communicate any concerns about dependency or a history of substance abuse with your healthcare provider to help them determine if this medication is right for you. 

What is Focalin XR?

Focalin XR (active ingredient: dexmethylphenidate HCL) is an extended-release medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children ages 6-12, adolescents, and adults. Focalin XR is a stimulant that works by targeting the neurotransmitters in the brain that control hyperactivity, impulsivity, and focus.

Forms and Dosages

Because Focalin XR is a time-released medication, it should be taken first thing in the morning and never after 12 PM. Focalin XR can be taken with or without food once daily and at the same time every day for the best results. 

Focalin XR capsules should be swallowed whole with liquid. If you are unable to swallow a whole capsule, you may break it open and sprinkle it over a spoonful of applesauce. Focalin XR capsules should never be crushed or chewed as it negates the time-released effect and endangers the user with a condition known as “serotonin syndrome.” 

Focalin XR capsules come in 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, and 40 mg dosages. This extended-release medication normally lasts in your system for up to 12 hours. 

Conditions Treated

Focalin XR is FDA-approved for use in individuals with ADHD and sleeping disorders like narcolepsy.

Costs

Both branded and generic forms of Focalin XR are available for purchase. Without health insurance, you’re looking at approximately $250 for a one-month supply of Focalin XR 10 mg. Online coupons can knock the price down to around $50 per one-month supply, but check online vendors for coupon availability. For more information on pricing under your health insurance plan, contact your provider’s pharmacy department.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Focalin XR include but are not limited to:

• stomach ache
• decreased appetite
• headache
• serious allergic reaction
• nausea
• sleep disturbances
• anxiety
• dry mouth
• dizziness
• seizures
• blurred vision
• priapism

Warnings and Drug Interactions

Disclose to your healthcare provider any past or present cardiac issues you or your immediate family have. Cardiac abnormalities may result in issues when taking this medication. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any chest pains, palpitations, or signs of increased blood pressure, as these could be signs that the medication is not reacting well with your system. 

Also, disclose to your healthcare provider any history of mental illness as Focalin XR can exacerbate the symptoms of mental illnesses, including depression and psychosis. For more information about Focalin XR, read your medication’s accompanying literature and speak with an ADHD specialist about potential side effects and effectiveness. 

Dependency Warning

Focalin XR (extended-release) should only be used as directed by a healthcare professional, as it is a Schedule II controlled substance that has a high risk of dependency and abuse. While Focalin XR and immediate-release Focalin share the active ingredient dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride, they differ in their release mechanism and duration of action.

Misuse of Focalin XR can increase the risk of addiction. Some individuals may be tempted to take higher doses or use the medication in ways not directed by their provider, believing it to be safer due to its extended-release formulation. However, Focalin XR’s extended-release feature does not make it less prone to dependency compared to immediate-release Focalin. Adhering strictly to the prescribed dosages and following your healthcare provider’s instructions is essential in minimizing the risk of dependency.

Additionally, suddenly discontinuing Focalin XR can result in withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, persistent depression, and irregular sleep patterns. If you’d like to stop taking Focalin XR, work with your healthcare provider to do so safely. 

Open communication with your healthcare provider is essential to address any concerns regarding dependency or a history of substance abuse. They can either provide support in taking Focalin XR safely, or prescribe a different medication with a lower risk of dependency. 

How To Find an ADHD Healthcare Provider, Fast

Klarity is dedicated to helping you find ADHD treatment fast. We’ll connect you with a licensed and certified ADHD specialist in your state within 48 hours.

Klarity Helps You Discover The Right ADHD Medication

Adderall XR and Focalin XR are similar ADHD medications, so it’s best to speak with a licensed healthcare provider on Klarity who can explain the benefits of each medication and how you may react to them.

Schedule an appointment with a licensed provider on Klarity today and get help determining which ADHD medication may be right for you.