From the Guidelines
The equivalent dose of immediate-release Focalin to Adderall 30 mg twice daily would be approximately 15 mg twice daily, considering Focalin's potency and pharmacokinetics. When determining the equivalent dose, it's crucial to consider the potency difference between Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) and Adderall, as Focalin is about twice as potent on a milligram-per-milligram basis due to its composition of only the active d-isomer of methylphenidate 1. The dosing range for dexmethylphenidate, as seen in Table 1 of the study 1, is 5–20 mg/d, usually divided as twice daily, which supports the calculated equivalent dose of 15 mg twice daily for immediate-release Focalin. Key points to consider when making this conversion include:
- The duration of action of Focalin, which is about 4-6 hours per dose, similar to immediate-release Adderall, making twice-daily dosing appropriate.
- The importance of starting at a slightly lower dose than the calculated equivalent and titrating up as needed based on response and tolerability.
- Monitoring side effects such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular effects like increased heart rate or blood pressure. Any medication change should be done under medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness, especially considering the potential side effects and interactions associated with psychostimulants, as outlined in the study 1.
From the Research
Equivalent Dose of Immediate Release Focalin to Adderall 30 mg Twice a Day
- The provided studies do not directly address the equivalent dose of immediate release Focalin to Adderall 30 mg twice a day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is known that Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) and Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) are both stimulant medications used to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 2, 3, 6.
- A study on the pharmacotherapy for adult ADHD mentions that different formulations of the same drugs have been tested for efficacy, but does not provide a direct comparison of the doses of Focalin and Adderall 6.
- Another study on the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents with SHP465 mixed amphetamine salts (MAS) reports on the efficacy and safety of the medication, but does not provide information on the equivalent dose of Focalin 5.
- The lack of direct comparison between the doses of Focalin and Adderall in the provided studies makes it difficult to determine the equivalent dose of immediate release Focalin to Adderall 30 mg twice a day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Key Points to Consider
- Focalin and Adderall are both stimulant medications used to treat ADHD 2, 3, 6.
- The provided studies do not directly address the equivalent dose of immediate release Focalin to Adderall 30 mg twice a day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- More research is needed to determine the equivalent dose of Focalin to Adderall 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.