Compare Concerta vs. Adderall
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Helps you focus and stay alert.
Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release) is a first-choice treatment for ADHD that works throughout the day, but can affect growth in children and teens.
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
Upsides
- First-choice medication to treat ADHD. Some other forms of Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release) can also treat narcolepsy.
- The onset of effects will occur within an hour. The full effects can last 8 to 12 hours.
- Taken only once a day compared to the immediate-release form.
- Available in many different forms: extended-release and immediate-release tablets, chewable tablet, liquid, and skin patches.
- The capsule may be sprinkled on applesauce if you have a difficult time swallowing pills.
- 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.
Downsides
- Avoid alcohol since it can cause worsen side effects.
- Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release) is a controlled medication that can be habit-forming and lead to physical dependence.
- Cannot stop taking this drug all of a sudden without calling your doctor. You may have a greater risk of mood changes.
- 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.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$55.61
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$14.72
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Reviews
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1309 reviews so far
74%
saidit'sworth it
53%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
30possible side effects
- Lowered appetite25%
- Headache22%
- Dry mouth14%
- Nausea13%
- Loss of sleep12%
- Anxiety8%
- Weight loss7%
- Dizziness7%
- Irritability6%
- Fast heart rate5%
- Excessive sweating5%
- Initial insomnia4%
- Depressed mood4%
- Palpitations3%
- Tremor3%
- Nervousness3%
- Restlessness3%
- Vertigo2%
- Blurred vision2%
- Indigestion2%
- Vomiting2%
- Upper respiratory tract infection2%
- Inability to eat2%
- Muscle tightness2%
- Agitation2%
- Aggression2%
- Teeth grinding2%
- Depression2%
- Low sex drive2%
- Mouth and throat pain2%
The Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Serious or life-threatening heart problems
- History of heart problems
- Abuse and dependence
- History of drug abuse
- Alcoholism
- Aggressive behavior and psychiatric symptoms
- History of psychotic episodes
- History of bipolar disorder
- History of Tourette's syndrome
- Long-term growth suppression
- Children
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Circulation problems in the hands and feet
- 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