Anyone have experiences with both? Focalin is supposed to have less side effects apparently, but I am interested in hearing both sides if anyone has tried both.

Anyone have experiences with both? Focalin is supposed to have less side effects apparently, but I am interested in hearing both sides if anyone has tried both.


I have never been on ritalin. I have been on focalin and from what I can tell you, it is very weak. If you have a high tolerance, don't bother. I felt okay for a short short time then it is like nothing. I can see how it has less side effects than ritalin but then again focalin had basically no side effects or effects on me. lol

I tried Focalin 5 XR this month because the ritalin IR (the only thing that's given me any clarity) gives me chest pains and anxiety when it wears off. Focalin just seemed like coffee - maybe a little mood and energy boost to get out of bed but no organizational/concentation/or prioritizing improvement like ritalin does. My sense of time seemed to WORSEN. Thumbs down for me.