When choosing a medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms, it can be difficult to discern which medication is better suited to your specific needs and goals. Though most ADHD medications<\/a> are stimulant-based and have similar effects on the central nervous system, each formula is just a little different than the others. These variations exist so individuals with different health conditions and prescriptions have an easier time finding a safe ADHD treatment that\u2019s right for them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Concerta and Vyvanse are two such medications. We\u2019ve compared them below so you can choose the best one based on factors like drug interactions, possible side effects, and cost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you suspect that you have ADHD, stimulant medications like Concerta or Vyvanse could be effective in managing your condition. However, you should always speak to a medical professional about your symptoms, rather than attempting to self-diagnose them online. To receive a professional diagnosis and affordable, convenient treatment for ADHD, connect with a provider on Klarity today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Klarity matches patients with licensed healthcare providers in their state for comprehensive online ADHD treatment<\/a>. Take the first step toward relieving your symptoms and schedule an appointment<\/a> today. We\u2019ll connect you with a provider for personalized care in as little as 48 hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
| <\/th> | Vyvanse<\/th> | Concerta<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Drug Class<\/strong><\/td>| Schedule II stimulant<\/td> | Schedule II stimulant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td> | Brand name (no generic)<\/td> | Brand name for methylphenidate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td> | \u2022 Extended-release capsules* | \n\u2022 Extended-release chewable tablets \n \n \n*Capsules should not be crushed or chewed \n<\/td> Extended-release tablets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td> | 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, and 70 mg capsules OR chewable tablets | \n<\/td> 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, 54 mg, and 72 mg tablets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td> | FDA-approved for: | \n\u2022 ADHD, \n\u2022 Binge-eating disorder \n \nOff-label uses: \n\u2022 N narcolepsy, \n\u2022 bBinge-eating disorde \n<\/td> FDA-approved uses: | \n\u2022 ADHD \n \nOff-label uses: \n\u2022 Narcolepsy \n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Cost<\/strong><\/td> | Brand-name: | \n\u2022 $400 to $450 for 30 days of 30mg capsules or chewable tablets \n<\/td> Generic form (methylphenidate): | \n\u2022 $60 for a one-month supply \n \nBrand-name: \n\u2022 $250 to $300 for a one-month supply \n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Side-Effects<\/strong><\/td> | Common side effects: | \n\u2022 Anxiety \n\u2022 Diarrhea \n\u2022 Dizziness \n\u2022 Dry mouth \n\u2022 Irritability \n\u2022 Nausea \n\u2022 Trouble sleeping \n\u2022 Vomiting \n\u2022 Weight loss \n\u2022 Upper stomach pain \n \nSerious side effects: \n\u2022 Blurred vision \n\u2022 Irregular or fast heartbeat \n\u2022 Muscle twitching \n\u2022 Uncontrolled movements \n\u2022 Blood flow problems in the fingers and toes \n\u2022 Swelling in the ankles and feet \n\u2022 Rapid and unexplained weight loss \n\u2022 Mood changes, including aggression and depression \n<\/td> Common side effects: | \n\u2022 Decreased appetite \n\u2022 Dry mouth \n\u2022 Sleep disruption \n\u2022 Dizziness \n\u2022 Stomach ache \n\u2022 Increased sweating \n\u2022 Headache \n\u2022 Nausea \n\u2022 Weight loss \n\u2022 Irritability \n \nSerious side effects: \n\u2022 Priapism \n\u2022 Eyesight changes \n\u2022 Blurred vision \n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td> | Contraindicated for: | \n\u2022 History of substance abuse \n\u2022 Heart abnormalities \n\u2022 Circulation issues \n\u2022 Mental health issues \n<\/td> Contraindicated for: | \n\u2022 Heart or blood-pressure-related issues \n\u2022 Mental health issues \n\u2022 Circulation issues \n\u2022 History of substance abuse \n \nDrug interactions: \n\u2022 Blood thinner medications \n\u2022 Blood pressure medications \n\u2022 Antidepressants \n\u2022 Seizure medications \n\u2022 Decongestants \n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n What is Concerta?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nConcerta (active ingredient: Methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant that works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain that control hyperactivity, focus, and impulsivity. This medication is a schedule II controlled substance primarily prescribed to help fight the symptoms of ADHD. Methylphenidate is similar to the active ingredients in ADHD medications Daytrana and Ritalin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Forms and Dosages<\/h3>\n\n\n\nConcerta is a once-a-day extended-release tablet that lasts up to 10 hours. Dosages come in 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, 54 mg, and the max dosage of 72 mg. Typically, adults start off with an 18 mg dose and increase the potency until the desired result is achieved. Concerta should not be crushed or chewed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Concerta has a unique delivery method called OROS, which stands for osmotically controlled release oral-delivery system. When Concerta is first taken, the outside shell dissolves and 22% of the total dose is delivered. Three inner compartments release at different times throughout the day as the intestines absorb the chambers, releasing the medication and resulting in a time-release effect that lasts up to 10 hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One-sixth of the medication is never released and absorbed, so each capsule of Concerta actually delivers a few milligrams less than what is described. The medical community has yet to agree on the supremacy of backloaded, increasing doses versus steady release delivery systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Concerta comes in six different \u201cgeneric\u201d formulations designated methylphenidate ER, and all come in the aforementioned strengths. This can cause quite a bit of confusion as all of these medications seem similar, but five of these products are actually inferior to the \u201cbranded generic\u201d product. Recently, the FDA downgraded the quality ratings of two of these products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Consumers should stay away from the inferior generic Concerta products. Ask your pharmacist which one they are dispensing. The \u201cbranded generic\u201d form of Concerta is shaped like a barrel, has a tiny hole on one end where the medication bleeds out, and should still bear the manufacturer name: ALZA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Conditions Treated<\/h3>\n\n\n\nConcerta is FDA-approved for use in individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and sleeping disorders like narcolepsy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\nWithout insurance, a one-month supply of 36 mg Concerta tablets is approximately between $250 and $300. A generic supply of Concerta for the same exact quantity is approximately $60 a month but can vary depending on the pharmacy you choose. Online coupons are available that can knock down the price some. For more accurate pricing under your current health insurance plan, contact your provider\u2019s pharmacy department. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\nMost patients taking Concerta do not experience many side effects if any. Common side effects of Concerta include but are not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
|