Compare Adderall vs. Intuniv
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Helps you focus and stay alert.
Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine) is a first-choice treatment for ADHD that's available as a generic, but it's a stimulant that can cause difficulty sleeping and other side effects.
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3.9/ 5 average rating with 1309 reviewsforAdderall
Helps you focus your thoughts.
Intuniv (guanfacine ER) is an option for ADHD patients who cannot take stimulants.
Upsides
- First-choice medication to treat ADHD.
- Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine) is used together with counseling or other non-drug therapies to treat ADHD.
- Available as an affordable generic medication.
- Available in both immediate and extended release forms.
- For the extended release capsule, if you can't swallow the whole capsule, the capsule can be opened, mixed in a spoonful of applesauce, and swallowed.
- Not a stimulant and is an option for people who cannot take stimulants.
- Can be used either alone or with other stimulant medications.
- Available in generic.
Downsides
- Must take in the morning and early afternoon, otherwise it can cause difficulty sleeping.
- It's a controlled medication and should be locked up to prevent potential abuse.
- Not safe for people with a history of heart problems.
- For school-aged children, a second dose will likely need to be given at school.
- Intuniv (guanfacine ER) can cause changes in your blood pressure so it will be important to watch your blood pressure regularly.
- May cause drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches especially at higher doses.
- It can make you feel more irritable or anxious. Talk to your doctor if it bothers you.
- Not recommended for people over 65 years old.
- It may cause drowsiness, especially when you first start taking Intuniv (guanfacine ER) or with dose increases, so do not drive until you know how Intuniv (guanfacine ER) affects you.
Used for
- ADHD
- Tourette syndrome (children and adolescents)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$9.74
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$14.97
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Reviews
1309 reviews so far
74%
saidit'sworth it
53%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine)?
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Side effects
The Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
11possible side effects
- Headache27%
- Fatigue22%
- Dizziness16%
- Loss of appetite15%
- Stomach pain12%
- Irritability7%
- Anxiety5%
- Rash3%
- Constipation3%
- Weight gain3%
- Itchiness2%
Risks and risk factors
- Serious or life-threatening cardiovascular events
- History of heart problems
- Misuse of Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine)
- Dependence and abuse
- History of drug abuse
- Misuse of Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine)
- Serotonin syndrome
- Taking other medicines that affect serotonin levels
- Aggressive behavior and psychosis
- History of psychotic episodes
- History of bipolar disorder
- Driving impairment
- Taking Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine) with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that cause dizziness and/or drowsiness
- Long-term growth suppression
- Children ages 7 to 10
- Fainting
- High blood pressure
- Heartrate problems
- Sleepiness
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Stopping Intuniv (guanfacine ER) suddenly.
- Heart problems
- History of heart problem