Focalin vs. Dexedrine Spansule, Zenzedi

• Are Focalin and Dexedrine Spansule the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Focalin?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Dexedrine Spansule?
• What Is Focalin?
• What Is Dexedrine Spansule?
• What Drugs Interact with Focalin?
• What Drugs Interact with Dexedrine Spansule?
• How Should Focalin Be Taken?
• How Should Dexedrine Spansule Be Taken?

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) and Dexedrine Spansule (dextroamphetamine sulfate) are central nervous system stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Dexedrine Spansule is also used to treat narcolepsy.

Side effects of Focalin and Dexedrine Spansule that are similar include restlessness, stomach upset, loss of appetite, dry mouth, headache, or sleep problems (insomnia).

Side effects of Focalin that are different from Dexedrine Spansule include anxiety, feeling jittery, or sore throat.

Side effects of Dexedrine Spansule that are different from Focalin include nausea, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, unpleasant taste in your mouth, dizziness, nervousness, dizziness, sweating, weight loss, irritability, loss of interest in sex, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

Both Focalin and Dexedrine Spansule may interact with antidepressants, blood pressure medications, or seizure medicines.

Focalin may also interact with blood thinners or cold or allergy medicines that contain a decongestant.

Dexedrine Spansule may also interact with diuretics (water pills), antihistamines, acetazolamide, chlorpromazine, guanethidine, haloperidol, lithium, methenamine, phenobarbital, or sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer).

Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking 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)

Common side effects of Dexedrine Spansule include:

• nausea,
• stomach upset,
• cramps,
• loss of appetite,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• dry mouth or unpleasant taste in your mouth,
• headache,
• dizziness,
• nervousness,
• dizziness,
• trouble sleeping (insomnia),
• sweating,
• weight loss,
• irritability,
• restlessness,
• loss of interest in sex,
• impotence, or
• difficulty having an orgasm.

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Dexedrine Spansule including:

• numbness/pain/skin color change/sensitivity to temperature in the fingers or toes,
• mental/mood/behavior changes (such as agitation, aggression, mood swings, depression, hallucinations, abnormal thoughts/behavior, thoughts of suicide),
• uncontrolled movements,
• muscle twitching or shaking,
• outbursts of words or sounds,
• swelling ankles or feet,
• extreme tiredness,
• significant unexplained weight loss, or
• frequent or prolonged erections (in males).

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

Dexedrine Spansule and Zenzedi are central nervous system stimulants used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

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. 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.

Dexedrine Spansule, Zenzedi may interact blood pressure medications, diuretics (water pills), antihistamines, acetazolamide, chlorpromazine, ethosuximide, guanethidine, haloperidol, lithium, methenamine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer), or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications you are taking. Dexedrine should be used only if prescribed during pregnancy. Infants born to mothers who are dependent on this medication may be born too soon (premature) and have low birth weight. They may also have withdrawal symptoms. Tell your doctor if you notice mood changes, agitation, or unusual tiredness in your newborn. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breastfeeding is not recommended. Dexedrine may be habit-forming. Withdrawal symptoms may occur after stopping this drug.

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.

The usual dose of Dexedrine Spansule, Zenzedi to treat narcolepsy is 5 to 60 mg per day in divided doses, depending on the patient response. For treatment of ADHD in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older, start with 5 mg once or twice daily; daily dosage may be raised by a physician.