Two medicines, side by side
Dexmethylphenidate vs dextroamphetamine
Dexmethylphenidate and dextroamphetamine are both labeled for ADHD. Drugs@FDA records approvals of dexmethylphenidate since 2001 and of dextroamphetamine since 1976. Pharmacies paid $1.45 per dexmethylphenidate ER 10 mg capsule and $0.373 per dextroamphetamine 10 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026).
Check it at the source: the dexmethylphenidate FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 30, 2024); the dextroamphetamine FDA label on DailyMed (effective November 26, 2025).
Highlights of the dexmethylphenidate record
Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) · label of May 30, 2024
ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION Focalin has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including Focalin, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage ( 10 )], and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection. Before prescribing Focalin, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.
Used for
From the label: indicationsFocalin is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. Focalin is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) ( 1 ).
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- November 13, 2001
- Generic labelers
- 13 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $1.45 per capsule
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 2
Highlights of the dextroamphetamine record
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) · label of November 26, 2025
ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION Dextroamphetamine sulfate has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including dextroamphetamine sulfate, can result in overdose and death (see OVERDOSAGE ), and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.
Used for
From the label: indicationsZenzedi ® (Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablets, USP) is indicated for: Narcolepsy. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- August 2, 1976
- Generic labelers
- 14 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.373 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 24
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Dexmethylphenidate label of May 30, 2024, Dextroamphetamine label of November 26, 2025); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do dexmethylphenidate and dextroamphetamine differ on the record?
Both are in FDA's class central nervous system stimulants.
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: dexmethylphenidate since 2007; dextroamphetamine since 1975 (Drugs@FDA).
| Dexmethylphenidate | Dextroamphetamine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | ADHD | ADHD |
| Pharmacologic class | Central Nervous System Stimulant | Central Nervous System Stimulant |
| How it works (label) | Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride is a CNS stimulant. The mode of therapeutic action in ADHD is not known. | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | The mean terminal elimination half-life of dexmethylphenidate was approximately 2.2 hours. | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | November 13, 2001 | August 2, 1976 |
| First generic approved | January 29, 2007 | May 29, 1975 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 13 labelers | 14 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $1.45 per capsule (Dexmethylphenidate ER 10 mg capsule) | $0.373 per tablet (Dextroamphetamine 10 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | +4% | -33% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 2 | 24 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 4,207 | 7,605 |
| DEA schedule | CII | CII |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Dextroamphetamine label, warningsIf concomitant use of dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets with other serotonergic drugs or CYP2D6 inhibitors is clinically warranted, initiate dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets with lower doses, monitor patients for the emergence of serotonin syndrome during drug initiation or titration, and inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to dexmethylphenidate
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions