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

Most common
Abdominal pain (up to 5%)
Fever (up to 5%)
Anorexia (up to 5%)
Nausea (up to 5%)

Jornay PM

Most common
Insomnia (up to 41%)
Decreased appetite (up to 27%)
Affect lability (up to 22%)
Headache (up to 19%)

Focalin vs. Jornay PM Dosage

Focalin

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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