If medication alone has not settled school and home for your teen, read about teen ADHD treatment.
There are many ways to deal with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and carefully chosen prescription medication often plays a major role in the symptom management. Focalin vs Concerta: what kind of prescription drug can yield the best results? And is it safe for a patient to use stimulants?
In this guide we will make a comprehensive ADHD medication comparison to learn more about Concerta and Focalin, explore potential adverse effects patients need to be aware of, and understand whether prescription drugs are an effective strategy for individuals diagnosed with ADHD.
Understanding Focalin and Concerta for ADHD
Concerta and Focalin are among the most widely used prescription drugs to help people with ADHD manage their symptoms and improve their emotional, social, and professional lives. These medications are both stimulants – they are supposed to decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity, make the person more focused and attentive, and calm them down as the symptoms of ADHD no longer prevent them from enjoying their life.
Comparing Focalin Vs Concerta Effectiveness
Focalin vs Concerta: which medication should you use? These medications are both approved to treat ADHD and they affect the same neurotransmitters in your brain. Nevertheless, there are some differences that you and your doctor need to take into account when choosing the right medication:
- The active ingredient of Focalin is dexmethylphenidate, and the active ingredient of Concerta is methylphenidate.
- You can get Focalin capsules or tablets while Concerta only comes in tablets that offer extended-release – the drug is released into your system slowly, and Focalin XR capsules are extended-release as well.
- Concerta is taken once a day with or without a meal – the same goes for Focalin capsules. Focalin tablets are taken twice a day, at least 4 hours apart.
- Focalin’s onset of action is under one hour while Concerta will alleviate your symptoms within one or two hours.
- Both drugs are forms of methylphenidate, and both labels carry the same warnings about glaucoma, tics, and Tourette syndrome, so switching from one to the other does not avoid these risks.
Focalin Dosage and Administration
When it comes to the appropriate dosage of Focalin, the recommendations of your doctor are the priority. This drug is available in two forms – tablets and capsules, the latter has a prolonged duration of action. The label sets the maximum at 40 milligrams per day of the capsules for adults and 30 milligrams for children and teens, and 20 milligrams per day of the tablets.
Concerta Dosage and Administration
Listen to your healthcare provider when they tell you how often you are supposed to take Concerta and what the right dosage is in your particular case. Children and teens usually start with 18 milligrams of Concerta per day, and adults start with 18 or 36 milligrams. The dose can be raised by 18 milligrams about once a week, up to 54 milligrams for ages 6 to 12 and 72 milligrams for teens and adults.
Focalin Side Effects and Considerations
A healthcare provider must warn their patient about potential adverse effects before the latter starts taking Focalin:
| Negative Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Mental Health Issues | Some people become nervous and depressed and experience mood shifts after they start taking Focalin or misuse this drug |
| Sleep Problems | It is not uncommon for a patient to struggle to sleep at night or keep sleeping for a long amount of time to feel fresh and energetic in the morning |
| Loss of Appetite | Focalin often decreases the appetite of the patient, and they may require nutritional advice and even therapy to ensure they are getting enough vitamins and nutrients to support their health in general |
Concerta Side Effects and Considerations
Similar to Focalin, Concerta is a relatively safe option for a patient with ADHD – still, there may be certain emotional and physical challenges:
| Negative Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Emotional Struggles | The person’s mood may change, they may feel irritated, aggressive, and nervous, and sometimes even experience paranoia |
| Cardiovascular Problems | Certain people have heart issues after they take Concerta – their chest hurts, they feel like they cannot breathe, and they are dizzy to the point of fainting |
| Gastrointestinal Issues | Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are not uncommon – if you have digestive problems, let your doctor know about them since Concerta may worsen your condition |
Benefits of ADHD Medication Options
Despite certain adverse effects, the impact of appropriate ADHD prescription drugs cannot be underestimated – there is a reason it is an integral part of treatment plans tailored for the majority of people with this disorder. Here is a brief overview of the advantages that ADHD medication such as Concerta and Focalin can offer:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Reduce Impulsivity | It is easier to control impulsive behavioral patterns and feel more confident and capable when you are making a decision if you rely on stimulants |
| Enhance Functioning | Medication can help you to organize and plan better as well as resolve time management issues which have affected your academic and work performance |
| Improve Attention and Focus | You have an opportunity to enhance your attention span, concentrate on a particular assignment or task, and improve your memory |
| Deal With Hyperactivity | Prescription drugs will regulate brain activity and lessen hyperactivity symptoms by giving the person a greater sense of calm that they have been lacking |
| Increase Motivation | It is not uncommon for an individual diagnosed with ADHD to procrastinate or feel less enthusiastic which is why sometimes it is necessary to take medication to bring the motivation and inspiration back |
Discover Treatment Support With Hillside Horizon for Teens
To get access to any prescription drug after the diagnosis is confirmed, you need to get an appointment with a psychiatrist whether you end up taking Focalin or Concerta to deal with the symptoms of ADHD.
If your teen ages 12 to 17 has ADHD that is not improving with outpatient care, contact Hillside Horizon for Teens today. Our team can offer you customized treatment options, provide you with direction and motivation, and help you navigate psychological challenges that stand between you and the healthy life you deserve.
FAQs
What are the key differences in effectiveness between Focalin and Concerta for ADHD treatment?
Concerta may be the perfect choice for an individual who wants their medication to have a longer therapeutic effect – it is also a good option for someone who wants to take medication only once a day without calculating the right dosage with two or three tablets. Both Concerta and Focalin are FDA-approved to treat ADHD, but neither is meant for children younger than 6.
How do the side effects of Focalin compare to those of Concerta?
Neither drug clearly has fewer side effects, since both labels warn about problems such as blurred vision and numbness in the fingers or toes. Both of these medications might make you nervous, dizzy, and nauseous as well as result in unintentional weight loss.
What are the recommended dosages for Focalin and Concerta in managing ADHD symptoms?
You cannot take more than seventy-two milligrams of Concerta daily, or fifty-four milligrams for children ages 6 to 12 – otherwise, you may overdose or develop an addiction due to misuse. As for Focalin, the maximum is 40 milligrams per day of the capsules for adults, 30 for children and teens, and 20 milligrams per day of the tablets.
How do Focalin and Concerta differ in their benefits for ADHD medication?
Focalin and Concerta contain different chemical components but they affect the same neurotransmitters in the patient’s brain.
What factors should be considered when choosing between Focalin and Concerta for ADHD treatment options?
Your healthcare provider will assess your physical and emotional state and learn more about your medical history so that they can warn you about potential side effects of stimulants whether you have a heart disease or struggle with anxiety or depression on top of your ADHD. Note that the treatment strategy may be adjusted at any time based on your reaction to a particular drug – alternatively, a doctor might advise you to decrease or increase the dosage.
Clinically reviewed by Alejandro Alva, M.D., Medical Director.