{"id":4022,"date":"2022-09-29T07:54:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-29T14:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/?p=4022"},"modified":"2023-10-04T11:02:17","modified_gmt":"2023-10-04T18:02:17","slug":"adderallxr-vs-focalinxr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/post\/adderallxr-vs-focalinxr\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Difference Between Adderall XR and Focalin XR?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The comparison guide below can help you navigate the similarities and differences between two extended-release medications\u2014Adderall XR and Focalin XR\u2014so you can have an informed discussion with your healthcare provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the help of Klarity, you\u2019ll 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<\/a> on Klarity today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
<\/th>Adderall XR<\/th>Focalin XR<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Drug Class<\/strong><\/td>Schedule II stimulant<\/td>Schedule II stimulant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td>Brand name for amphetamine salts<\/td>Brand name for dexmethylphenidate ER<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td>Extended-release capsules<\/td>Extended-release capsules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td>5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg capsules<\/td>5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, and 40 mg extended-release capsules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td>FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 ADHD
\n\u2022 Narcolepsy<\/td>		FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 ADHD
\n\u2022 Narcolepsy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost<\/strong><\/td>Brand-name Adderall XR:
\n\u2022 $300 for one month\u2019s supply
\n
\nGeneric form (amphetamine salts):
\n\u2022 $180 for one month\u2019s supply (without insurance)
\n<\/td>		Brand-name Focalin XR:
\n\u2022 $250 for one month\u2019s supply
\n
\nGeneric form (dexmethylphenidate ER)
\n\u2022 $39 to $120 for on month\u2019s supply
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side-Effects<\/strong><\/td>Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\n\u2022 Low appetite
\n\u2022 Anxiety
\n\u2022 Insomnia
\n\u2022 Headaches
\n\u2022 Weight loss
\n\u2022 Nausea
\n\u2022 Dizziness
\n\u2022 Diarrhea
\n\u2022 Racing pulse
\n\u2022 Mood imbalance
\n\u2022 Stomach pain
\n
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Seizures
\n\u2022 Eyesight instability
\n\u2022 Urinary tract infection
\n\u2022 Nausea
\n\u2022 Fever
\n\u2022 Stroke
\n\u2022 Heart attack
\n<\/td>		Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Stomach ache
\n\u2022 Decreased appetite
\n\u2022 Headache
\n\u2022 Serious allergic reaction
\n\u2022 Nausea
\n\u2022 Sleep disturbances
\n\u2022 Anxiety
\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\n\u2022 Dizziness
\n\u2022 Seizures
\n\u2022 Blurred vision
\n
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Heart problems
\n\u2022 Psychosis
\n\u2022 Circulation problems
\n\u2022 Penile erection lasting longer than 4 hours
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td>Drug interactions:
\n\u2022 MAOIs
\n\u2022 Medications that raise blood pressure
\n\u2022 SSRIs and SNRIs,
\n\u2022 Medications containing lisdexamfetamine
\n
\nDon\u2019t crush or chew the capsule, as it may cause serotonin syndrome.
\n<\/td>		Contraindicated conditions:
\n\u2022 Heart conditions
\n\u2022 History of mental illness
\n\u2022 Substance abuse
\n\u2022 Drug interactions:
\n\u2022 Antidepressants
\n\u2022 Blood pressure medication
\n
\nDon\u2019t crush or chew the capsule, as it may cause serotonin syndrome.
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n

What is Adderall XR?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forms and Dosages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conditions Treated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Common side effects of Adderall XR include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Dry mouth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Low appetite<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Anxiety<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Insomnia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Headaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Weight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Nausea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Dizziness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Diarrhea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Racing pulse<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Mood imbalance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Stomach pain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Less common but more severe side effects of Adderall XR include but are not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Seizures<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Eyesight instability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Urinary tract infection<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Nausea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Fever<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Stroke<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Heart attack<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

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

      Warnings and Drug Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Crushing or chewing the capsule can result in a deadly condition called \u201cserotonin syndrome.\u201d This condition occurs when the brain is flooded with serotonin and is highly dangerous. Serotonin syndrome can lead to stroke, heart attack, and death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      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:
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • MAO inhibitors (procarbazine, metaxalone, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Medications that raise blood pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • SSRIs <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • SNRIs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Medications containing lisdexamfetamine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Dependency Warning<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        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. <\/p>\n\n\n\t\t

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