Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Evekeo vs. Focalin: Comparison

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Are Evekeo and Focalin the Same Thing?

Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate tablets) and Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) are central nervous system stimulants used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Evekeo is used to treat a sleep disorder called narcolepsy, and may also be used as part of a short-term, weight reduction program to treat exogenous obesity.

Side effects of Evekeo and Focalin that are similar include headache, stomach ache, trouble sleeping (insomnia), decreased appetite, dry mouth, and restlessness.

Side effects of Evekeo that are different from Focalin include unpleasant taste in mouth, nervousness, dizziness, vomiting, itching, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, mood swings, palpitations, fast heart rate, elevated blood pressure, overstimulation, euphoria, problems with coordination, tremor, uneasiness, hives, impotence, changes in sex drive, frequent or prolonged erections, and muscle wasting (rhabdomyolysis).

Side effects of Focalin that are different from Evekeo include anxiety, feeling jittery, and sore throat.

Both Evekeo and Focalin may interact with antidepressants, blood pressure medications, blood thinners, cold or allergy medicines that contain decongestants, and seizure medicines.

Evekeo may also interact with stomach acid medicines, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), anti-psychotic medicines, lithium, and narcotics.

Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking Evekeo or Focalin.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Evekeo?

Common side effects of Evekeo include:

  • headache,
  • stomach ache,
  • trouble sleeping (insomnia),
  • decreased appetite,
  • unpleasant taste in mouth,
  • nervousness,
  • dizziness,
  • sexual problems (impotence in males),
  • vomiting,
  • itching,
  • diarrhea,
  • constipation,
  • dry mouth,
  • weight loss,
  • mood swings,
  • palpitations,
  • fast heart rate,
  • elevated blood pressure,
  • overstimulation,
  • restlessness,
  • euphoria,
  • problems with coordination,
  • tremor,
  • uneasiness,
  • loss of appetite,
  • hives,
  • impotence,
  • changes in sex drive,
  • frequent or prolonged erections, and
  • muscle wasting (rhabdomyolysis).

What Are Possible Side Effects of Focalin?

Common side effects of Focalin include:

  • restlessness,
  • anxiousness,
  • feeling jittery,
  • stomach upset,
  • loss of appetite,
  • dry mouth,
  • sore throat,
  • headache, or
  • sleep problems (insomnia)

What Is Evekeo?

Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate tablets) is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat a sleep disorder called narcolepsy, and to help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD. Evekeo should be used as part of a total treatment program for ADHD that may include counseling or other therapies. Evekeo may also be used as part of a short-term, weight reduction program to treat exogenous obesity.

What Is Focalin?

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

What Drugs Interact With Evekeo?

Evekeo may interact with stomach acid medicines, antidepressants including MAOIs, anti-psychotic medicines, lithium, cold or allergy medicines that contain decongestants, blood pressure medicines, narcotics, seizure medicines, or blood thinner medicines. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you or your child use.

What Drugs Interact With Focalin?

Focalin may interact with MAO inhibitors, antacids, blood pressure medications, blood thinners, clonidine, seizure medications, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications you use. Focalin XR should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

How Should Evekeo be Taken?

The usual dose of Evekeo to treat narcolepsy is 5 to 60 mg per day in divided doses. The usual starting dose of Evekeo to treat ADHD in children from 3 to 5 years of age is 2.5 mg daily; in children 6 years of age or older, start with 5 mg once or twice daily. The usual dose of Evekeo to treat exogenous obesity is up to 30 mg daily, taken in divided doses of 5 to 10 mg, 30 to 60 minutes before meals.

How Should Focalin be Taken?

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.