Is Ritalin A Good Substitute Of Focalin?

Posted on Mon, 24 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 24 Feb 2014 Answered on

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am prescribed Focalin, Doctor, and in my area, no pharmacy has it in stock...they are ALL on back order...so my doctor substituted Adderall, with which I have a paradoxical reaction. Do you know how I can get Focalin and/or do you think Ritalin would be a better solution?Since Adderall is clearly not an option and focalin XR is not covered, how do you feel about methylphenidate hydrochloride suspension or Nuvigil?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Ritalin would be a better option Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your query. Only with slight difference in the efficacy both Focalin and Ritalin are almost same in every other aspect. I would consider it a better option to go for Methylphenidat (Ritalin) rather than amphetamine (Adderall). The effects on taking Ritalin would be much similar compared to Focalin. Wish you good health. regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar