Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) refers to a neurodevelopmental disorder, a medical condition that affects both children and adults. This condition interferes with the brain activity and body are impacts their self-control, inattention, and hyperactivity.
ADHD impacts an individual’s daily life in the USA. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children of ages 3 to 17 years are more commonly diagnosed with this condition. In addition, more than 8 million adults are also facing the problem leading to difficulty in staying focused in their academic and professional lives.
This disorder can be treated by changing lifestyle, behavioral therapy, and medication. It is better to first consult a doctor if you are feeling the symptoms of this condition. Therefore, a doctor may prescribe you Focalin or Ritalin to treat ADHD. In this blog, we will learn the differences between these two drugs.
Comparison Between Focalin and Ritalin
Overview
Focalin
Focalin refers to a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is used to treat ADHD disorder in patients of age 5 years and older.
It is a prescription medicine, which means it can be used only when you have consulted a certified doctor. Focalin is sold both as a brand name and generic medication.
Focalin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. for use in children of age 6 years and older. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has defined this drug as a Scheduled II control substance.
It has a high potential for dependence and abuse, they can also lead to psychological and physical dependence. Novartis AG is the big company that manufactures this medicine in the USA.
Ritalin
Ritalin is also a CNS (Central nervous system) stimulant that doctors use in treating ADHD and narcolepsy (sleep disorder) patients with this condition. It can be consumed both by children and adults. It is also a prescription medicine, it can be obtained through a valid prescription from a healthcare expert. It is also available in generic and branded forms.
In 1995, the FDA approved this drug for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy conditions. Ritalin is also a Schedule II control substance that has a high risk of abuse and addiction. The company which manufactures this drug in the USA is Novartis.
Function
Focalin
Focalin increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine substances in the brain that play an important role in regulating impulsive control, attention, focus, etc. It contains an ingredient called dexmethylphenidate which helps to increase the concentration of the neurotransmitters.
Ritalin
Ritalin restricts the use of neurotransmitters which are norepinephrine and dopamine that have a crucial role in improving motivation and attention. It also increases their level in the synaptic cleft by blocking these neurotransmitters and binding them to the receptors to produce their effects. This drug also interacts with the opioid system and glutamate to regulate calmness in the nerves.
The storage and release of other neurotransmitters redistribute the VMAT-2 (vesicular monoamine transporter 2). It helps to contribute to the therapeutic effects of this drug by releasing the neurotransmitters.
Uses
Focalin
Focalin helps in treating ADHD disorder in patients of all ages and walks of life. This medicine has a higher risk of dependence and misuse. It can lead to cardiovascular stroke and sudden death in individuals with heart disease or high blood pressure.
If you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, then avoid using this drug.
Ritalin
Ritalin is also used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy conditions. Always use this medicine as directed by the physician. It has a stimulating effect in which some people might experience a feeling of alertness. It is also used as an off-label drug to treat terminal cancer and depressive disorder.
Dose and Dosage Strength
Focalin
Doses
Focalin comes in both immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) forms. The immediate release works within 30-45 minutes and lasts up to 3-6 hours, while extended release also works within 30-45 minutes and lasts up to 12 hours.
A doctor may prescribe either of these forms after monitoring the patient’s condition. The available strengths of this form as are follows:
- Immediate release (IR) tablets: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg.
- Extended release (ER) tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg and 40 mg.
Dosages
The initial dosage of Focalin for pediatric patients ages 6 to 12 years is 5 mg (2.5 mg daily) and 10 mg daily for adults taken with or without food. The doses should be increased after the doctor’s advice.
Ritalin
Doses
Ritalin comes in oral tablets, chewable tablets, liquids, and immediate and extended-release tablets. The strengths available for all these forms are:
- Immediate-release tablets and oral tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.
- Extended-release tablets: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg.
- Oral solution (liquid): 5 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml.
- Chewable tablet form: 20 mg, 30 mg and 40 mg
Dosages
The starting dosage of this drug is 20-30 mg per day for treating ADHD and narcolepsy. The recommended dosage for children of ages 6-12 years is 5 mg daily.
Side Effects
Focalin
Common side effects of Focalin are as follows:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Weight loss
- Difficulty in sleeping
Serious side effects of this drug include:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Vision changes
- Problems with blood circulation in the toes and fingers
- Painful erections
- Allergic reactions
- Seizures
- Depression
- Hives
- Difficulty in breathing
Ritalin
Some common side effects of Ritalin are mentioned below:
- Mood swings
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Headache
- Muscle pain
Severe side effects include:
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
- Hallucinations
- Swelling of face
- Abdominal pain
- Suicidal thoughts
- Leukopenia (blood disorders)
Precautions
Precaution and warning are essential to follow while taking these medicines to avoid adverse side effects.
- Do not chew, break, or crush these medicines as it may lower the concentration by 50%.
- Read the drug labels carefully. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Monitor your blood pressure and overall well-being to avoid cardiovascular risks.
- Do not take Focalin or Ritalin medicine suddenly as you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
- These drugs can be habit-forming, so avoid using them for a longer time.
- If you miss the dosages of either Focalin or Ritalin medicines, inform your doctor immediately.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid these medicines.
