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Highlights
- Both Concerta and Adderall are approved to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Each medication has specific side effects and risks. Remember to discuss your entire health history with your medical provider before starting treatment.
- MEDvidi has licensed healthcare providers in several states who are able to prescribe Concerta or Adderall online if deemed clinically necessary.
Both Concerta and Adderall are stimulant medications used to treat ADHD. In general,
What Is Concerta?
Concerta (methylphenidate) is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Concerta is only available as an extended-release tablet. However, extended-release methylphenidate, the active ingredient in Concerta, is available as a generic medication in tablets and capsules. Methylphenidate is also available in an immediate-release form as well as brand names including Ritalin. Methylphenidate may be available in other forms when given as an immediate-release formulation.
Concerta is taken once every day, in the morning. The usual dose is 18 mg per day or 36 mg per day. For some people, the dosage may be increased up to 72 mg per day.
What Is Adderall?
Adderall (mixed amphetamines) is also a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is FDA-approved to treat ADHD. It is also used to treat narcolepsy. Adderall is available as an extended-release capsule called Adderall XR and as an immediate-release form, called Adderall. Both forms of Adderall are available as generics.
The immediate-release form of Adderall can be taken up to 2 or 3 times per day while the extended release, Adderall XR, is usually only taken once per day. The usual dose of Adderall is 5 mg to 40 mg split throughout the day while the usual dose of Adderall XR is 5 mg to 30 mg once per day.
Side-by-Side Comparison
|
Concerta |
Adderall |
|
|
Active ingredient |
Methylphenidate |
Mixed amphetamine salts |
|
Drug class |
CNS stimulant |
CNS stimulant |
|
Available form(s) |
Extended-release tablet |
Immediate-release tablet, |
|
Onset of action |
30 to 60 minutes |
30 to 60 minutes for extended-release Adderall, shorter if IR |
|
Duration of effect |
10 to 12 hours |
4 to 6 hours for immediate-release, |
|
Typical dosages |
18 mg or 36 mg per day |
5 mg to 40 mg per day for immediate-release, |
|
FDA-approved uses |
ADHD |
ADHD, narcolepsy |
|
Generic availability |
Generic available |
Generics available |
|
Cash cost |
Concerta: Over $400 without insurance Methylphenidate ER (generic Concerta): $33 to $290, depending on a pharmacy |
Adderall: Over $200 to $600 depending on formulation without insurance Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine mixed salts (generic Adderall): $16 to $47, depending on a pharmacy |
Key Differences Between Concerta and Adderall
Effectiveness and Symptom Control
Both
Onset and Duration
Both Concerta and Adderall have an onset of action of 30 to 60 minutes. The effects of immediate-release Adderall may be felt slightly sooner than Adderall XR or Concerta. Both Concerta and extended-release Adderall (Adderall XR) last up to 12 hours while immediate-release Adderall only lasts for 4 to 6 hours.
Side Effects and Safety
Since Concerta and Adderall are the same type of medication, CNS stimulants, they share many potential side effects.
Common side effects of both medications can include:
- Nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach
- Headache
- Sleep problems
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Irritability or moodiness
- Tics
- Sexual dysfunction
Serious side effects of both medications can include:
- Delayed or slow growth in children.
- Increases in blood pressure or heart rate (Adderall has been reported to raise blood pressure and heart rate more often, but there is not enough research to determine if this is true).
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
- Mental health problems including anxiety, mania, hallucinations, paranoia, or delusions.
- Panic attacks.
- Severe muscle pain or weakness.
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon (a condition that can change the feeling and color in fingers and toes).
- Prolonged and painful erections (priapism).
- Dark urine or dehydration.
This list is not exhaustive. You should talk with your healthcare provider about any side effects you experience so they can make sure the medication is safe for you or choose an alternative treatment.
Abuse Potential and Withdrawal
Adderall and Concerta are medications known as Schedule II controlled substances. This is because of their risk for misuse, dependence, and abuse. Both medications carry a black box warning for this risk.
Because Concerta and Adderall are controlled substances, there are very strict limits about how much of each medication you can receive at one time. You may also have to see your healthcare provider more often to monitor your response to treatment and renew your prescriptions while taking Concerta or Adderall.
Although both medications can be abused, a
Concerta and Adderall can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. This most commonly occurs if you have been taking the medication long-term and at higher doses, but withdrawal can happen after any amount of time and at any dose. If you would like to stop taking your medication, talk with your healthcare provider before doing so. They will help to develop a plan for you to taper off the dosage, meaning you’ll slowly lower the dosage over a period of time to let your body adjust to not having the medication.
Drug Interactions
Although Concerta and Adderall are both effective for treating ADHD, the medications are not for everyone. There are certain people who may need additional monitoring or should not take these medications at all. This applies to people with:
- Heart problems, including a heart defect, heart failure, high blood pressure, or arrhythmias
- Mental health problems or a family history of mental health problems, including bipolar illness, depression, mania, psychosis.
- Seizures.
- Circulation problems in fingers and toes.
- Stomach problems, including a blockage or narrowing of the intestines.
- Eye problems, including increased blood pressure in your eye or glaucoma.
- Tourette’s syndrome or a family history of Tourette’s syndrome.
Adderall and Concerta are also not suitable for people who are:
- Pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- Breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
Both Concerta and Adderall can interact with some medications. Examples of these include:
- Medication to treat high blood pressure.
- Anticoagulants, such as warfarin, that are used to prevent blood clots.
- Medication to treat seizures.
- Medication to treat depression.
- Risperidone, a medicine used to treat certain mental health problems.
These lists are not exhaustive. Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about your health history and any over-the-counter or prescription medications, supplements, or herbs you are taking. This will allow them to make sure the medication is safe for you.
Special Considerations
Use in Children and Adolescents
Concerta and Adderall are both approved to treat ADHD in children and adolescents 6 years of age and older. However, a
Adults With Coexisting Conditions
Adults with certain coexisting conditions should not take Concerta or Adderall. These include certain mental health problems and heart problems. There are also some individuals who may be able to take the medication but will need closer monitoring. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health history so they can ensure that the medication is safe for you.
Off-Label Uses and Misuse
Both Concerta and Adderall are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Adderall is also FDA-approved to treat narcolepsy. Using either medication for any other reason would be an off-label use or misuse of the medication. You should only take Concerta or Adderall for another reason if your healthcare provider has instructed you to do so.
Using either medication for studying or weight loss, without the care of a healthcare provider, is illegal, can put you in danger and lead to dangerous side effects.
Switching Between Concerta and Adderall
It is possible to switch from Concerta to Adderall or vice versa. In order to do so, talk with your healthcare provider. They will evaluate how much of the medication you have been taking and use specific equations to convert the active ingredient to the amount of medicine needed in the new medication. For example, if you are taking Concerta, you will need roughly half of your current dosage on Adderall. If you are taking Adderall, you will need roughly twice your current dosage of Concerta.
Depending on what dosage you need for the new medication, your healthcare provider will put together a plan to switch it correctly. This may involve taking smaller amounts of both medications, or titrating your dose down on one medication and then starting to take another one. Make sure to follow their instructions to safely switch medications.
Note: Switching from one ADHD medication to another one should only be done under medical supervision.
Which One Is Better for You?
Deciding whether Concerta or Adderall are better for you will depend on a number of factors. This could include your health history, your age, and your treatment goals. If you prefer once daily dosing and want an all day effect of the medication, that may also be a factor.
Children and adolescents are usually better candidates for Concerta while adults may be better candidates for Adderall. But if someone has a higher risk of misuse or abuse, Concerta may be a better choice.
Deciding which medication is better is an individualized decision made by a healthcare professional. There is no universal better option. The best option for you may depend on your health, lifestyle, and your medical provider’s judgement.
Conclusion
Concerta (methylphenidate) and Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) have different ingredients but are both effective options to treat ADHD. They both also have a risk for misuse or abuse and similar adverse effects.
Children and adolescents may be better candidates for Concerta while adults may be better candidates for Adderall. However, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about your health history, lifestyle, and goals to get personalized advice. Book an appointment with a licensed medical provider to receive ADHD treatment online from the comfort of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Concerta stronger than Adderall?
No, neither Concerta or Adderall are stronger than the other. They are two different medications that are in the same class of stimulants. One or the other may work better for certain people based on their treatment goals, age, or health history.
Which is better, Concerta or Adderall XR?
There is no universal better medication. Which medication is the right choice for you is an individualized decision. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your health history, lifestyle, and treatment goals to determine which medication will be better for you.
Do you lose more weight on Concerta or Adderall?
Can you take Adderall and Concerta together?
Is Concerta less addictive than Adderall?
Does Concerta give you energy like Adderall?
What is 27 mg of Concerta equal to in Adderall?
It is important to talk with your healthcare provider before changing medications or changing the amount of Concerta or Adderall that you are taking. Generally, the amount of Adderall you will need to have the same effect is half the dose of Concerta. In this example, 27 mg of Concerta would be roughly 14 mg of Adderall. This calculation is provided for informational purposes only and cannot substitute professional advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about how to safely switch from one medication to the other.
