Adhansia XR vs. Focalin XR

Adhansia XR (methylphenidate hydrochloride) and Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) are central nervous system (CNS) stimulants used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Side effects of Adhansia XR and Focalin XR that are similar include trouble sleeping (insomnia), dry mouth, decreased appetite, and weight loss.

Side effects of Focalin XR that are different from Adhansia XR include dizziness, sore throat, heartburn, nausea, stomach pain or upset, headache, nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, and feeling jittery.

Both Adhansia XR and Focalin XR may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and medications to treat excess stomach acid.

Focalin XR may also interact with blood pressure medications, blood thinners, clonidine, seizure medications, and antidepressants.

Withdrawal symptoms may occur if Focalin XR is stopped abruptly.

Common side effects of Adhansia XR include:

• insomnia,
• dry mouth,
• decreased appetite, and
• weight loss

Common side effects of Focalin XR include:

• trouble sleeping (insomnia),
• dizziness,
• dry mouth,
• sore throat,
• heartburn,
• nausea,
• stomach pain,
• upset stomach,
• headache,
• nervousness,
• restlessness,
• anxiety,
• feeling jittery,
• loss of appetite, or
• weight loss.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Focalin XR including:

• numbness/pain/skin color change/sensitivity to temperature in the fingers or toes,
• fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat,
• mental/mood/behavior changes (such as agitation, aggression, mood swings, abnormal thoughts, thoughts of suicide),
• uncontrolled muscle movements (such as twitching, shaking),
• sudden outbursts of words or sounds that are hard to control, or
• vision changes (such as blurred vision).

Adhansia XR (methylphenidate hydrochloride) is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients 6 years and older. Adhansia XR is available in generic form.

Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) is a mild central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Adhansia XR may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and medications to treat excess stomach acid. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Focalin XR may interact with MAO inhibitors, antacids, blood pressure medications, blood thinners, clonidine, seizure medications, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications you use.

The recommended starting dose of Adhansia XR for patients 6 years and older is 25 mg once daily in the morning. The dosage of Adhansia XR may be increased in increments of 10 to 15 mg at intervals of at least 5 days.

The recommended starting dose of Focalin XR is 5 mg/day for pediatric patients and 10 mg/day for adult patients. Dosage may be adjusted in 5 mg increments for pediatric patients and in 10 mg increments for adult patients.