Focalin vs. Adderall: Differences & Similarities

Focalin and Vyvanse are prescription medications often used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Both are stimulants that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and manage hyperactivity, but they are not the same. Each has distinct benefits, uses, and side effects that might make one a better option for some people. 

This guide to Focalin vs Vyvanse explores what each medication is, how they work, and how to decide between these drugs if you or someone you love is dealing with ADHD. You can also discover how to get effective and compassionate treatment for stimulant misuse. 

What Is Focalin?

Focalin is a Schedule II drug used to treat ADHD [1]. It belongs to a class of drugs called CNS (central nervous system) stimulants, which help improve focus, attention, and impulse control. The active ingredient in Focalin is dexmethylphenidate, a refined version of methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Ritalin). The difference between dexmethylphenidate and methylphenidate is that dexmethylphenidate lasts longer.

Focalin affects brain levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, chemical messengers that help govern attention and behavior. By balancing these chemicals, Focalin helps people with ADHD concentrate better and feel less distracted. It’s available in two forms: Focalin (immediate-release) and Focalin XR (extended-release). Focalin XR offers longer-lasting symptoms control by gradually releasing the medication.

Doctors may prescribe Focalin for children, adolescents, or adults diagnosed with ADHD. Like all Schedule II drugs, it carries a risk of misuse and addiction, and healthcare providers closely monitor its use. 

How Does It Feel to Take Focalin?

Taking Focalin can help individuals with ADHD feel more focused and in control of their thoughts and actions. Many people describe it as calming their minds, allowing them to tackle tasks without getting easily distracted. For those with ADHD, Focalin may also reduce feelings of restlessness and improve the ability to stay on track. 

Side effects may manifest upon starting the medication, especially during the first few days. Common side effects include:

• Headaches
• Stomach aches
• Loss of appetite
• Increased energy
• Jitteriness

Take this medication only as directed by a healthcare provider to minimize side effects. Focalin should make you feel more balanced and productive rather than overstimulated. If side effects persist, worsen, or feel overwhelming, consult a doctor to adjust the dosage or explore alternatives.

Is Focalin an Amphetamine

Focalin is not an amphetamine. While it is a stimulant like amphetamines, its active ingredient—dexmethylphenidate—works differently in the brain. Focalin affects dopamine and norepinephrine levels but does so in a way that’s distinct from amphetamine-based drugs like Adderall or Vyvanse [2].

Amphetamines tend to trigger a more intense impact on the brain’s reward system, making them feel stronger or faster-acting for some people. Focalin, on the other hand, is a milder stimulant, although it’s still highly effective for treating ADHD symptoms.

Because Focalin is not an amphetamine, it may be a better choice for those who are sensitive to amphetamines or who experience side effects from amphetamine-based medications. Like amphetamines, though, Focalin is a Schedule II drug due to its potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction. 

What Is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is a prescription medication also used to treat ADHD in children and adults. It is also FDA-approved to manage binge eating disorders in adults [3]. The active ingredient in Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine, a stimulant that helps regulate brain chemicals involved in focus, behavior, and self-control. 

What makes Vyvanse unique is that it’s a prodrug [4]. This means the body must break it down into its active form, dextroamphetamine before it starts working. This process provides a smoother and more gradual onset of effects, reducing the likelihood of a sudden rush that may occur with other stimulants. 

Vyvanse is available in capsules or chewable tablets, making it easy for people to take. It’s designed as a once-daily medication, offering consistent symptom relief throughout the day. Like other stimulant medications, Vyvanse is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence.

How Does It Feel to Take Vyvanse?

Taking Vyvanse often feels like a steady improvement in focus, attention, and organization. People with ADHD describe feeling less distracted, more in control of their thoughts, and better able to complete tasks. This can be particularly helpful in environments like work or school, where distractions and impulsivity can be challenging. 

Vyvanse is designed to work gradually, so people taking the medication typically don’t experience a sharp or overwhelming burst of energy. Instead, its effects come on smoothly, enabling people to feel more natural and balanced. Many find it helps them feel calmer and less restless while being able to focus and stay productive.

Like any medication, Vyvanse can cause side effects, such as: 

• Reduced appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety

These effects should subside as the body adjusts to the medication. Consult a doctor if they persist or worsen to adjust the dosage or timing of the drug. 

What is 40 mg of Vyvanse Equal to in Focalin?

Comparing Vyvanse and Focalin isn’t straightforward, as their active ingredients work differently in the body. Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine, which converts into dextroamphetamine once metabolized, while Focalin contains dexmethylphenidate. Both are stimulants, but they are dosed and metabolized in different ways. 

There is no exact conversion between 40mg of Vyvanse and a specific dose of Focalin, just like there no precise Focalin vs Adderall dosage conversion. That said, doctors may rely on clinical experience to find a comparable dose based on how each drug affects symptoms and side effects. A 40mg dose of Vyvanse is considered a moderate dose, and its effects might align with a medium-range dose of Focalin XR, such as 10 to 15mg. 

Because these medications act differently, finding the right dose involves trial and error under a healthcare provider. If switching from Vyvanse to Focalin or vice versa, follow medical advice closely to ensure safety and effectiveness. 

Differences Between Focalin and Vyvanse

Although Focalin and Vyvanse are both stimulant medications used to treat ADHD, they differ in the following ways: 

• Active ingredients: Focalin contains dexmethylphenidate, part of the methylphenidate family, while Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine, an amphetamine prodrug. This difference impacts how each medication works in the body and how quickly it takes effect.
• How they work: Focalin acts directly to balance neurotransmitters in the brain. Vyvanse, by contrast, must be converted into its active form by the body, leading to a slower and smoother onset of effects.
• Additional uses: Vyvanse is FDA-approved for managing moderate and severe binge eating in adults, while Focalin is only approved to treat ADHD. This added benefit might make Vyvanse a more versatile option for some people.
  Dosage forms: Focalin is available as an immediate-release or an extended-release capsule, while Vyvanse comes in capsules and chewable tablets. The variety in dosage forms can affect personal preferences and ease of use. 

Differences in Side Effects

Both Focalin and Vyvanse share similar side effects because they are stimulants, but some differences exist in the frequency and intensity of these effects. 

• Focalin side effects: Common side effects of Focalin include stomach pain, headaches, loss of appetite, and nausea. It may also cause insomnia and irritability. Serious side effects include increased blood pressure, heart rate, and rare cases of priapism (prolonged erections).
• Vyvanse side effects: Vyvanse can cause appetite loss, weight loss, and insomnia. It may also lead to increased irritability or anxiety. Serious side effects include cardiovascular complications, circulation problems like numbness or discoloration in the fingers and toes), and serotonin syndrome when combined with certain medications [5].

Differences in Benefits

The benefits of Focalin and Vyvanse vary based on individual needs and how each medication fits into a person’s daily routine.

• Focalin benefits: Focalin tends to work quickly, especially in its immediate release form, which can be helpful for people needing rapid symptom relief. Its effects are strong but short-lived, making it a good option for those who prefer to manage their symptoms during specific times of the day.
• Vyvanse benefits: Vyvanse provides smooth, consistent symptom control throughout the day due to its prodrug nature. It’s ideal for individuals who want an all-day solution without needing multiple doses. Its additional approval for binge eating disorder also offers a benefit for people with co-occurring disorders.

Differences in Risks

Both medications carry risks, but some differ in severity and likelihood. 

• Focalin risks: Focalin has a higher potential for abuse because it provides faster effects. This risk is especially significant in its immediate-release form. Misusing Focalin can lead to addiction, cardiovascular problems, and severe mental health issues.
• Vyvanse risks: Vyvanse’s prodrug design reduces the risk of misuse, but it’s not risk-free. Taking higher doses or combining it with certain drugs can trigger serotonin syndrome or heart complications. Vyvanse also carries a potential for addiction, particularly when used improperly. 

Is Focalin More Powerful Than Vyvanse?

Focalin is considered more powerful than other methylphenidate-based medications because it uses only the active part of the drug. Some studies suggest that Focalin can achieve the same effects at half the dose of medications like Ritalin [6]. 

Vyvanse, while not as immediately potent as Focalin, provides steady effects throughout the day due to its slow-release mechanism. This makes it less likely to feel overly powerful or intense.

Is Vyvanse Safer Than Focalin?

Vyvanse is often considered safer than Focalin for individuals at risk of misuse because of its gradual activation in the body. This reduces the chance of experiencing a high that can contribute to abuse. 

That said, safety depends on the person. Both medications carry serious risks, including mental health side effects and cardiovascular problems, especially when misused or taken at higher doses than prescribed. People with heart issues or psychiatric disorders should discuss these risks with their doctor.

How To Decide Which One Is Better for ADHD

Choosing between Focalin and Vyvanse depends on many variables, including:

• Lifestyle needs: If you need long-lasting symptom control, Vyvanse might be better. If you prefer short bursts of symptom relief at specific times of the day, Focalin could be a better fit.
• Side effects: If one medication causes intolerable side effects, switching to the other may provide relief.
• Additional conditions: For those with binge eating disorder and ADHD, Vyvanse offers dual benefits that Focalin does not.
  Misuse potential: If there is concern about misuse or dependence, Vyvanse’s lower abuse potential may make it a safer choice. 

The decision should be made in partnership with a healthcare provider, who will consult your medical history, personal preferences, and treatment goals. Trying different medications under medical supervision may also be necessary to find the most effective and tolerable option for ADHD management.

Similarities of Vyvanse and Focalin

Vyvanse and Focalin are both prescription CNS stimulants that belong to the same drug class. They share many similarities in how they treat ADHD and improve the lives of people managing the condition. 

• ADHD treatment: Both medications are approved to treat ADHD in children and adults. They help reduce symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, making daily tasks and interactions more manageable.
• Mechanism of action: Vyvanse and Focalin work by increasing levels of brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters play a central role in attention, focus, and impulse control, impaired in those with ADHD.
• Controlled substances: Both drugs are classified as Schedule II controlled substances, meaning they have a high potential for misuse and addiction despite some medical uses. For this reason, they should be taken only as prescribed and under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
• Side effects: Vyvanse and Focalin share similar side effects, including appetite loss, trouble sleeping, and stomach discomfort. While the intensity of side effects may differ between individuals, both medications require careful monitoring to ensure safety.
• Part of a comprehensive treatment plan: Neither Vyvanse nor Focalin is a standalone solution for ADHD. They are normally used alongside behavioral therapy, counseling, and lifestyle adjustments to provide the best results. 

How To Know if Your Focalin or Vyvanse Is Working

Determining if your ADHD medication is working involves paying attention to how your symptoms and overall functioning improve over time. Here are some signs that Focalin or Vyvanse may be effective for you: 

• Improved focus and attention: You may find it easier to concentrate on tasks, stay organized, and complete projects without as many distractions.
  Reduced hyperactivity and impulsivity: If you feel calmer and less restless, and you’re making fewer impulsive decisions, this can indicate that the medication is helping.
• Better performance at home, work, or school: Improvements in academic, professional, or household responsibilities can show that the medication is supporting your daily functioning.
• Improved relationships: If you can communicate more effectively, follow through on commitments, and handle conflicts more calmly, the medication might be contributing to these changes.
• Fewer emotional outbursts: Reduced frustration, irritability, or mood swings can also be a sign that your ADHD symptoms are under better control.
• Side effects are manageable: Effective medication should strike a balance between improving symptoms and minimizing side effects. If side effects are mild and tolerable, this is a strong sign the medication is working as intended.

If you’re not experiencing these benefits, or if the side effects outweigh the positive effects, talk to your doctor. They may adjust the dosage or suggest trying a different medication. Keep track of your symptoms, both good and bad, to help guide your treatment plan and ensure the best results.

Get Treated in a Luxurious, Science-Backed Addiction Treatment Program at Renaissance Recovery

If you need help getting back on track from stimulant misuse, reach out to Renaissance Recovery. We treat addictions and mental health conditions like ADHD in an outpatient setting at our luxury rehabs in Florida and California. 

When you choose an outpatient program at Renaissance, you can live at home and continue at work or school while getting first-class treatment for Focalin or Vyvanse addiction. 

All stimulant addictions are different, so all Renaissance treatment plans are personalized to reflect this. Therapies may include:

• Motivational therapies
• Counseling
• Talk therapies (CBT or DBT)
• Group therapy
• Holistic treatment
• Medication management
• Family therapy
• Aftercare

When you’re ready to reclaim your life from stimulant misuse, call 866-330-9449. 

Sources

[1] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/021278s015lbl.pdf 

[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8063758/ 

[3] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-approves-multiple-generics-adhd-and-bed-treatment 

[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/prodrug 

[5] https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/v/vyvanse.pdf 

[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2671958/