Focalin?

[staples]

I was reading about Focalin the other day. I figure this is the correct place to talk about it, since ritalin=methylpheniate, and focalin=dexmethylphenidate.

Has anyone been prescribed to ritallin and focalin (in whatever order)? How similar are they?

Also I'd be interested in a comparison to other medications like adderall.

Not interested in recreational opinions, but others may be so give whatever information you or swiy wants to.

Oh, also any pharmacology would be great

[Paracelsus]

As with many optically active amphetamines, the d-isomer is more active. Dexmethylphenidate is (practically) the same as d,l-methylphenidate (Ritalin) but twice as potent.

[staples]

Originally Posted by Paracelsus

As with many optically active amphetamines, the d-isomer is more active. Dexmethylphenidate is (practically) the same as d,l-methylphenidate (Ritalin) but twice as potent.

Why do I sometimes read that methylphenidate is an amphetamines while other times I read that it's not? Is it because it's really similar (in which ways -- how it affects you or its chemical structure? or both?)

Nevertheless, I've also been reading that Focalin appears to have less side effects than ritallin. Why is this a result of making the d-isomer *more* active and the drug *more* potent?

Interesting, I never knew about optical activation, I will have to read more about that.

[sterling77]

Maybe less milligrams of drug in your system for the same effect, yields a lighter body load?

[thenightwatch]

Ritalin contains a racemic mixture of both d-methylphenidate and l-methylphenidate, in roughly equal quantities.

It is believed that the beneficial effects of Ritalin are mainly caused by the d-isomer, and that the negative/side-effects are caused by the l-isomer. Focalin contains only the "good" isomer, and therefore has fewer side-effects than Ritalin.

Reputation Comments on this post:

useful and informative reply

[staples]

Originally Posted by sterling100

Maybe less milligrams of drug in your system for the same effect, yields a lighter body load?

Hmm, but why would 10mg dexmethylphenidate be a lighter load on the body than 20mg methylphenidate? Since the potency would be equal in this case, shouldn't the relevant pharmacokinetics be exactly the same?

Originally Posted by thenightwatch

Ritalin contains a racemic mixture of both d-methylphenidate and l-methylphenidate, in roughly equal quantities.

It is believed that the beneficial effects of Ritalin are mainly caused by the d-isomer, and that the negative/side-effects are caused by the l-isomer. Focalin contains only the "good" isomer, and therefore has fewer side-effects than Ritalin.

Do you know where I can learn more about these isomers, particularly what the l-isomer is doing that causes side-effects?

Thanks

[Paracelsus]

If you understand medical abstracts, PubMed.com is an invaluable resource. If not, try medical sites.

[Bajeda]

Dont forget to check the Drugs-Archive on this very site for research!