Focalin vs. Jornay PM
See how Focalin and Jornay PM compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Both Focalin and Jornay PM are Schedule II stimulants for ADHD with boxed warnings for abuse, misuse, and addiction risk.
Focalin is an immediate-release tablet taken twice daily, while Jornay PM is a delayed-release capsule taken once in the evening so it works by morning.
Focalin costs less per month and has a generic option, while Jornay PM has no generic and a much higher list price.
Focalin vs. Jornay PM Drug Summary
Focalin
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is a CNS stimulant in the methylphenidate class, approved to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 and older. It comes as an immediate-release tablet taken twice a day, spaced at least four hours apart.
Jornay PM
Jornay PM (methylphenidate) is a CNS stimulant approved to treat ADHD in patients 6 and older. It is a delayed-release, extended-release capsule taken once daily in the evening, so it starts working by the time a person wakes up.
Focalin vs. Jornay PM Side Effects
Focalin
Jornay PM
Focalin vs. Jornay PM Dosage
Focalin
Jornay PM
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Focalin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Jornay PM
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Focalin vs. Jornay PM Indications
Focalin
Focalin is approved for ADHD in both adults and children starting at age 6. It is not indicated for anxiety, tension, or agitation, and it should be used cautiously in anyone with glaucoma or a family history of tics.
ADHD in adults
ADHD in children ages 6 and older
Not approved for children under 6
Not approved for severe anxiety, tension, or agitation
Not approved for patients with glaucoma
Jornay PM
Jornay PM is approved for ADHD in patients ages 6 and older, including children, teens, and adults. It is not approved for narcolepsy or for children younger than 6, and it should be avoided in anyone with certain structural heart problems.
ADHD in adults
ADHD in children ages 6 and older
Not approved for children under 6
Not approved for narcolepsy
Avoid in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities
Focalin vs. Jornay PM Pros and Cons
Focalin
Focalin has been used for ADHD since 2001 and offers a flexible, lower-cost generic option. Because it works quickly and wears off within a few hours, it needs a second daily dose to maintain coverage, which some patients find harder to manage than a once-daily option.
Pros
Available as a lower-cost generic, roughly $60 to $150 per month
Long track record of use since 2001
Immediate-release form starts working quickly
Flexible timing lets doses be adjusted around school or work
Cons
Requires two doses per day, spaced at least four hours apart
Does not cover symptoms right upon waking
Wearing-off effects can cause a rebound in symptoms
Missing a midday dose leaves a gap in coverage
Jornay PM
Jornay PM's evening dosing schedule is designed to have the medication active before a person wakes up and through the day. That convenience comes at a much higher monthly cost, and because it has no generic version, insurance coverage can be less predictable.
Pros
Only one dose needed, taken in the evening
Designed to control symptoms right upon waking
Coverage extends through the school or work day without a midday dose
No need to plan a dose around midday meals
Cons
Roughly $340 to $620 per month, with no generic available
Higher rate of insomnia reported, up to 41%
Must avoid in patients with certain structural heart problems
Requires evening timing to work correctly by morning
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