A 30-year-old member asked:
What are adderall and focalin (dexmethylphenidate)?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Monika Helleranswered
15 years experience
The difference: Adderall contains 75% of the effective (dextro) isomers of amphetamine, while Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is dextro-methylphenidate (only the right-handed, or active molecule of adderall). Adderall is a mixture of amphetamine salts, 3-1 effective to non-effective levo (or left-handed molecules). Dextroamphetamine contains only the effective stereoisomer of amphetamine, and has fewer side effects.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. William Singeranswered
Pediatric Neurology 52 years experience
Stimulants: Adderall is a mixture of 4 amphetamine salts. focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is a form of methylphenidate, actually the active half of the methylphenidate molecule thought to contain the positive effects.
2.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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A 44-year-old member asked:
Is there a difference between focalin (dexmethylphenidate) XR and Adderall xr?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Glen Elliottanswered
Child Psychiatry 44 years experience
A big difference!: Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is the active half or methylphenidate (ritalin). Adderall is a mix of amphetamine salts and of amphetamine isomers. Both can be highly beneficial for treating adhd, but they are different chemicals altogether and may work through slightly different mechanisms. If one doesn't work or has too many side effects, the other may prove better--and it doesn't matter which you try first.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jul 18, 2018
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