Compare Ritalin vs. Intuniv
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Helps you focus and stay alert.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a first-choice treatment for ADHD that comes in many different forms, but you need to take this medication more often than alternatives.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 526 reviewsforRitalin
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 because it is cheap and effective.
- Ritalin (methylphenidate) is used with counseling and other non-drug therapies to treat ADHD.
- Available as a generic medication.
- Available in many different forms: extended-release and immediate-release tablets, chewable tablet, and liquid.
- Preferred medicine for elderly with ADHD or narcolepsy because it is safer than alternatives for this population.
- 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
- Need to take Ritalin (methylphenidate) 2 or 3 times a day compared to other ADHD medications which you can take once daily.
- Can raise your blood pressure and pulse, so its not safe for people with heart problems.
- It's a controlled medication (CII), so you may need to get a new prescription each month from your doctor.
- Ritalin (methylphenidate) may affect growth in children and teens in some cases.
- Ritalin (methylphenidate) contains a mixture of active and inactive compounds (dexmethylphenidate and methylphenidate, respectively), which may not work as well for some people.
- 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
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$48.65
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$12.95
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Reviews
526 reviews so far
60%
saidit'sworth it
42%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Ritalin (methylphenidate)?
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Side effects
17possible side effects
- Lowered appetite25%
- Headache22%
- Dry mouth14%
- Nausea13%
- Difficulty sleeping12%
- Anxiety8%
- Weight loss7%
- Dizziness7%
- Irritability6%
- Fast heartbeat5%
- Sweating5%
- Depression4%
- Stomach pain2%
- Loss of appetite2%
- Vomiting2%
- Blurry vision2%
- Aggressive behavior2%
11possible side effects
- Headache27%
- Fatigue22%
- Dizziness16%
- Loss of appetite15%
- Stomach pain12%
- Irritability7%
- Anxiety5%
- Rash3%
- Constipation3%
- Weight gain3%
- Itchiness2%
Risks and risk factors
- Abuse and dependence
- History of drug abuse
- Alcoholism
- Serious or life-threatening heart problems
- History of heart problems
- Aggressive behavior and psychiatric symptoms
- History of psychotic episodes
- History of bipolar disorder
- History of Tourette's syndrome
- Height and weight delay in children
- Children
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Circulation problems in the hands and feet
- Fainting
- High blood pressure
- Heartrate problems
- Sleepiness
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Stopping Intuniv (guanfacine ER) suddenly.
- Heart problems
- History of heart problem