Hey Everyone! I was just diagnosed with having ADD last Friday. My doc tried me on Strattera but my muscles tensed up so bad I was in tears:( ...so he switched me to Focalin xr. I've been looking for a full list of side effects or any personal stories from people who have takin this med before. Any information would really help. Most everyone I know takes adderall so they aren't of any help...
How does focalin xr compare to other stimulant medications? I understand that it is a stronger/more potent version of Rittalin...but does it act the same. How long has this product been on the market...

I hate that he prescribed me somthing that no one I know has taken...and hasn't been out that long...:mad:

Focalin was approved by the FDA on January 3, 2002. Focalin XR was approved by the FDA on May 27, 2005.

Focalin is much more potent than the traditional forms of methylphenidate, and yes the effects are similar. I found it to offer fewer side effects, and I also found it to be much more enjoyable.

I only took the Focalin XR, and I enjoyed how smoothly the effects began, and also how smoothly the effects faded away. There was really nothing unpleseant about the stuff except for the fact that it is just so expensive. For most people the price is a non-issue due to their insurance coverage.

I would highly recommend dexmethylphenidate as long as the price is not an issue. Furthermore, I found that it was so much more therapuetic (for me) than any of the other forms of methylphenidate that I had taken over the years.

As far as comparing it to other stimulants goes, it's important to remember that we each tend to respond to these drugs differently, so that being said, here are my favorite top 5 stimulants:

1. Dexedrine IR
2. Desoxyn
3. Focalin XR
4. Ritalin IR
5. Adderall

In all fairness Desoxyn & Dexedrine really tie for first place, but due to it being extremely over priced, and mildly sedating, Desoxyn comes in at a close 2nd.

I belive that with the way focalin works you only have to take 1/2 the dose of ritalin. For example: if you take 20mg ritalin a day, youd only need 10mg focalin to get the same effects.

I cannot tell you how much I love Focalin. Adderall didn't work most of the time and I just didn't care for it even when it did work, by comparison. But Focalin is the absolute gold standard, IMHO!! My brain actually WORKS and I feel VERY grounded, which is, for me, the worst part of ADD when I don't feel it (I'm the inattentive type.)I really haven't had any side effects aside from decreased appetite. However, I've hardly had any side effects with any of the stimulants, and I haven't had trouble sleeping with any of them either, which is why I split up the dose and take one in the morning and one in late afternoon. You may not be able to get away with that.