Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is a prescription stimulant medication used to treat ADHD in children (ages 6+) and adults. It contains only the pharmacologically active d-isomer of methylphenidate, which is responsible for the therapeutic effects.
Originally manufactured by Novartis, Focalin is now produced by Sandoz. It's available in both immediate-release (Focalin) and extended-release (Focalin XR) formulations, with generics available from multiple manufacturers.
Because Focalin uses only the active isomer, it may produce fewer side effects in some patients while maintaining the same therapeutic benefit as racemic methylphenidate (Ritalin) at half the dose.
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Focalin contains dexmethylphenidate, the d-isomer ("right-handed" molecule) of methylphenidate. Like other methylphenidate products, it works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
What makes Focalin unique is that it contains only the active d-isomer. Standard methylphenidate (Ritalin) contains a 50/50 mix of d- and l-isomers. The l-isomer contributes little to therapeutic effects but may contribute to side effects in some patients. By using only the d-isomer, Focalin can achieve the same ADHD symptom relief at approximately half the milligram dose.
Focalin IR begins working within 30 minutes and lasts 4–5 hours. Focalin XR provides 8–12 hours of coverage.
Focalin IR lasts 4–5 hours and is dosed twice daily. Focalin XR provides 8–12 hours of coverage with once-daily dosing. Because Focalin contains only the d-isomer of methylphenidate, it's typically prescribed at half the dose of equivalent racemic methylphenidate products.
Focalin XR capsules can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce for patients who have difficulty swallowing.
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) has been significantly impacted by the stimulant medication shortage. We've assigned it a findability score of 38 out of 100, meaning patients should expect significant difficulty locating this medication.
According to the ASHP Drug Shortage Database, multiple manufacturers of Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate ER) are affected. Par has all extended-release capsule strengths on back order with no estimated release date. Teva has multiple strengths on back order. Sandoz (now the brand-name manufacturer after Novartis divested) has Focalin XR 5mg on back order. Only Lannett reports having generic dexmethylphenidate ER capsules available.
Focalin is a less commonly prescribed ADHD stimulant compared to Ritalin, Concerta, or Adderall, which means fewer manufacturers produce it and pharmacies are less likely to keep it routinely in stock. When pharmacies don't stock it, patients must call around extensively or request special orders.
The DEA increased stimulant production quotas in October 2025, but the impact on dexmethylphenidate supply has been slower than for more widely produced medications.
Patients may need to call 5–15 pharmacies to find Focalin or Focalin XR in stock. Independent and specialty pharmacies often have better success ordering it.
The CDC has issued a health advisory regarding disrupted access to stimulant medications.
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Focalin is a Schedule II controlled substance. Psychiatrists, PCPs, pediatricians, neurologists, psychiatric NPs, and PAs can all prescribe it. Telemedicine waivers remain in effect through 2026.
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Yes, Focalin is a Schedule II controlled substance. No automatic refills, no phone-in prescriptions, early refill restrictions, DEA production quotas, and pharmacy stocking limits all apply.
Medfinder helps you find a pharmacy with stock before your doctor sends the prescription.
Because Focalin contains only the active d-isomer, some patients report fewer side effects compared to racemic methylphenidate products like Ritalin.
Medfinder can help you find Focalin near you.
Focalin offers a unique advantage among methylphenidate-based ADHD medications: by using only the pharmacologically active d-isomer, it may provide equivalent symptom relief with fewer side effects for some patients. However, its lower market share means fewer manufacturers produce it, making it particularly vulnerable to shortage impacts.
If you can't find Focalin, consider Azstarys (which contains a dexmethylphenidate prodrug) or racemic methylphenidate products like Quillivant XR or Ritalin LA, which are often in better supply.
Medfinder helps you find pharmacies with Focalin in stock. Search for availability near you.
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