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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Will often dictate whether a person prefers Focalin over Adderall or vice-versa. In a 2011 study comparing Adderall XR to Focalin XR, it was found that Adderall reduced symptoms by 80% and Focalin reduced symptoms by 79%; nearly equal in terms of efficacy.Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10405498Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15502601Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3243461/Mechanisms of actionThe respective mechanisms of action for Focalin and Adderall are similar in that they both provide psychostimulation. Both drugs inhibit the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, thus increasing their extracellular levels. Focalin contains the d-enantiomer of methylphenidate, and functions by inhibiting dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake into the presynaptic neuron, allowing neurotransmitters to be released into the extraneuronal space.The specific therapeutic mechanisms of Focalin aren’t fully understood, but it is regarded as functioning similar to methylphenidate. The mixed amphetamine salts (dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine) within Adderall inhibit the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. These mixed amphetamine salts elicit further presynaptic activity by triggering release of these neurotransmitters.In other words, Adderall is not only acting to inhibit their reuptake, but it is stimulating presynaptic release. The delivery for both Focalin and Adderall is regarded as being nearly identical – especially for the extended-release versions. Focalin XR is engineered with a Spheroidal Oral Drug Absorption System, meaning each capsule contains 50% immediate-release beads and 50% delayed-release beads.Adderall XR is similar in that 50% of the dose is immediate-release and the remaining 50% is delayed-release. The delivery of these drugs is similar and the effect of each has two “peaks” or bimodal peaks. The IR-portion will reach an initial “peak” and the delayed-beads will reach a second “peak” in terms of efficacy.Medical UsesFrom a medical standpoint, Focalin is only approved for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall is also approved for the treatment of ADHD, but is also FDA approved for the treatment of narcolepsy. Due to the similarities of these two drugs, some speculate that Focalin may also prove to be an effective option for narcolepsy.In fact, one investigative use for Focalin XR is the treatment of narcolepsy. Both Focalin and Adderall are thought to be effective antidepressant augmentation strategies among individuals with refractory depression. Some doctors may favor Adderall over Focalin due to the fact that Adderall has been on the market since 1996 and has been involved in more studies.Although methylphenidate predates Adderall, the specific d-enantiomer of methylphenidate (Focalin) hasn’t been involved in as extensive of research. Some studies speculate that it is nearly double the potency to standard methylphenidate. Unlike Focalin, Adderall has been investigated for cognitive rehabilitation in stroke patients and some psychiatrists may be more likely to test Adderall for anxiety disorders as a counterintuitive treatment.PopularityAs of 2012, reports suggested that generic Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) was the most prescribed psychostimulant medication. In 2012, Adderall was estimated to have held over 35% of the entire market-share for ADHD. Within the past couple years, its popularity has decline somewhat in part due to the promotion of Vyvanse, a drug developed by the same company (Shire Pharmaceuticals) as Adderall.The patent for Adderall has
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