Dexmethylphenidate ER

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Dec 11, 2023

Common Questions


Common Questions about Dexmethylphenidate


Is Focalin and dexmethylphenidate the same?

Yes, Focalin and dexmethylphenidate are the same. Focalin is a brand name product that contains the generic medicine dexmethylphenidate as the active ingredient. Generic drugs are typically significantly cheaper than the brand name versions.



Is Focalin a strong ADHD medication?

Yes, Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is a strong ADHD medication. It is a more active form of methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and is twice as strong on a milligram-to-milligram basis. If you are currently taking methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and want to switch to dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR), your doctor will likely prescribe Focalin at half your current dose of methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta).



Who should not take Focalin?

People who are allergic to dexmethylphenidate should not take Focalin. Also, people with certain health conditions should discuss the pros and cons of taking Focalin with their provider, for example, those with tics, Tourette’s syndrome, glaucoma, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, heart disease, circulation problems, thyroid disease, or mental illness.



How quickly does dexmethylphenidate start working?

Dexmethylphenidate immediate release starts working in 30-45 minutes, and extended release in around 30 minutes. However, it can take two weeks or longer for you to get the full benefit of this medicine after regular use.



How many hours does dexmethylphenidate last?

The effects of dexmethylphenidate HCl immediate-release last for 4-6 hours, and the effects of the extended-release formulation last for 8-12 hours.



What is the price of dexmethylphenidate without insurance?

Without insurance, dexmethylphenidate can be as high as $389.99, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $58.82 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not.



What is the price of dexmethylphenidate with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on dexmethylphenidate—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for dexmethylphenidate. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.