What Are The Side Effects Of Focalin XR And Concerta?

Posted on Sun, 2 Apr 2017

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

Sun, 2 Apr 2017 Answered on

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I am interested in comparing Focalin XR and Concerta sides effects and efficacy. We have to choose one for my ten year old son with moderate ADD. Any opinion on which has less sides effects, and better efficacy?

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Focal will be a better option

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

Among the two choices I feel focal will be a better option as it acts rapidly and longer than concerta. In addition the side effect profile of focalin is moderate in compare to concerta.

This occurs because concerta is racemic mixture of methylphenidate while the focalin is dextro isomer only which is often more effective with less side effects.

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