Concerta Vs Adderall: Differences, Similarities, Side Effects, & More

How Are Concerta & Adderall Similar?

Concerta and Adderall are two medications commonly used to manage attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are also known by their generic names, methylphenidate and amphetamine salts/dextroamphetamine, respectively. Both medications modulate the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, leaving more for the body to use to manage ADHD symptoms. Generally, the two medications are to help with ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.

Both Concerta and Adderall are stimulant medications that work on the central nervous system, thus resulting in many similar side effects. They are medications that have a high potential for abuse and dependence, so they are well-regulated to prevent addiction and abuse from happening. Doctors and psychiatrists often are the ones to prescribe these medications and have to file paperwork with the government to give them authorization to prescribe these medications.^1,2,3,4

Similarities between Concerta & Adderall include that they are both:

• Side Effects: Abdominal pain/stomach ache, decreased appetite, feelings of nervousness, agitation, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, dry mouth, headache.
• Schedule of medication: Concerta and Adderall are classified as Schedule II medications which means that they both have high potential for abuse and dependence.
• Type of medication: They are both central nervous system stimulant medications.
• FDA indication: Both are used to treat ADHD.
• Increase of chemicals: These medications are similar in that the end result of them working is that there are more neurotransmitters – dopamine and norepinephrine- available for the body to use to manage symptoms.
• Formulation: Both medications have extended-release formulations available, meaning that people can take this medication only once daily with or without other medications to help with the symptoms.

Key Differences Between Concerta & Adderall

Concerta and Adderall are similar in the fact that they are both central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medications for ADHD, but there are differences that can be reasons why a doctor will choose one over the other. They are not the same medication as they have different ways of working. Brand name Concerta does not have an immediate-release form of medication, although there exists generic immediate-release methylphenidate available, while Adderall has both immediate and extended-release formulations.

The table below summarizes the key differences between Concerta versus Adderall:^1,2,3,4,5,6

Side Effects of Concerta & Adderall

These two medications work similarly by potentially increasing the amount of chemicals in the brain to help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. Due to similar effects, they tend to have similar side effects, although the prevalence of these symptoms differs from person to person.

The side effects listed below have been commonly seen in people on these medications. Most of these side effects are mild and go away with continued usage, but some side effects may require medical attention. You should talk with your prescriber and pharmacist about any potential side effects from either medication. This is not a comprehensive list of possible mild or serious side effects.

The table below compares the possible side effects of Concerta and Adderall:*^2,3,5,6

*All medications, including Concerta and Adderall, have a risk of side effects, including serious side effects. This is not a complete list of side effects. You should talk with your healthcare professional about the benefits and risks of any medication before starting treatment.

Warnings & Precautions for Concerta & Adderall

There are warnings and precautions that are taken into consideration when a doctor chooses a therapy. These warnings may or may not be experienced and are not guaranteed to happen. If you have concerns, contact your doctor or a pharmacist. A lot of concerns that we have are in relation to drug interactions and having too much of the stimulant medication in the body, although not all warnings are in relation to the level of medication in your system.

Risks to consider when taking Concerta and Adderall include:^1,2,3,4,5,6

• Interactions with alcohol: Combining alcohol with your ADHD medications can cause drug interactions and serious side effects.
• Allergic reactions: As with all medications, there is a risk of an allergic reaction. Those with allergies to these medications may experience symptoms including difficulty breathing, hives, rashes, and swelling of the face or tongue. Seek immediate medical care if you experience an allergic reaction.
• Drug dependence: People who have a history of drug misuse should discuss using stimulant medications with their doctor. These medications might be contraindicated, meaning that using a medication is not advised in certain circumstances.
• Tolerance: Chronic use can lead to tolerance or dependence. And misuse can be a risk with short term use or long term use.
• Serious heart and vascular events: Sudden death, stroke, and heart attacks have been reported with these medications. People with heart disease or serious heart problems should be cautious.
• Psychiatric adverse events: Stimulant ADHD medications like Concerta and Adderall can cause mental health episodes like triggering of Bipolar disorder, manic symptoms, and psychosis. Aggression and hostility have also been observed in some individuals.
• Suppression of growth: Children (ages 7 to 10) were observed to have temporary slowing in height as well as weight loss, especially on higher doses of these medications. However, this suppression may be long-term for some, and it’s hard to predict how significant the effect on growth and development may be.
• Visual disturbances: Some may have difficulties with blurred vision while receiving stimulant medications.
• Seizures: These medications can possibly increase the likelihood of seizures in those with a history of seizures.
• Circulation issues: Stimulants, including Concerta and Adderall, can cause circulatory issues, including Raynaud’s phenomenon. Signs and symptoms generally improve after reducing the dose or discontinuing the medication.
• Serotonin syndrome: Both Adderall and Concerta, when combined with other medications that work on serotonin, can cause a life-threatening reaction called Serotonin syndrome.
• Tics: Both Adderal and Concerta have a unique warning where some people developed tics while on this medication. It can worsen motor and phonic tics and Tourette’s syndrome.
• Gastrointestinal obstruction: Both Adderall and Concerta have a warning associated with an observation that patients can develop bowel obstruction symptoms and complications.
• Priapism (painful, prolonged erections): Both Adderall and Concerta have been reported to cause priapism in some patients, typically during periods where the dosage was increased or they were in withdrawal after discontinuing the medication.

Potential Drug Interactions With Concerta & Adderall

Both Concerta and Adderall have interactions that can affect how a person processes the drugs. They may create undesirable effects like increasing the amount of exposure a person has to the drugs or lowering the amount in the blood so that a person does not get an effective amount of the drug to treat their symptoms. Some interactions may be serious, if you or someone you know shows side effects, then seek medical care.

Disclaimer: Taking certain medications, herbs, or supplements alongside Concerta and Adderall can change how these medications work in your body or increase the risk for serious side effects. This article does not consider all the possible interactions. Please let your doctor, psychiatrists, and pharmacists know about all the products you currently use, such as prescription medication, nonprescription drugs, and herbal supplements. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Medications and substances that have harmful interactions with Concerta and Adderall include:^1,2,3,4

How Adderall and Concerta Compare on Addiction and Withdrawal

Both Adderall and Concerta have a risk for addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal. They are both stimulant medications, categorized as Schedule II controlled medications by the FDA, which means that there is a high potential of these occurring if misused. They both have similar withdrawal symptoms, which involve changes to your sleep and mood. Symptoms include dysphoric moods; fatigue; increased appetite; psychomotor agitation; vivid, unpleasant dreams; and difficulty sleeping.^2,4

Which Is Right for You: Concerta or Adderall?

Which medication is best for your needs depends on many factors. A doctor can help you consider the benefits and risks of each medication and how they interact with factors like side effects, drug interactions, and preexisting conditions. No two people are the same, so what may look right for one person may not be appropriate for another. If seeing a doctor in person is a barrier for you, then you may need to consider online psychiatry services. Many people could potentially have equivalent effects from either one, so there isn’t necessarily a better choice- both choices could be equally beneficial for you.

How to Get a Prescription for Concerta & Adderall

To get a prescription, you must visit a physician who is authorized to prescribe these medications. As long as your doctor or psychiatrist is allowed to write prescriptions for this class of medication and you have a diagnosis that is treated with these medications, then they will be able to write you a prescription. When you see a doctor, they will assess whether these medications are appropriate for what you are trying to treat. They will either give you a paper prescription or send an electronic copy that is sent directly to your pharmacy.

It is important to note that these are tightly controlled medications, so these prescriptions are only valid for 6 months from the day the doctor writes it, and oftentimes cannot be filled early. There are exceptions, so if you need an early refill, contact your doctor and pharmacy as soon as possible.

Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Concerta & Adderall

Open communication with your health care provider is important not only for yourself but for the doctor as well. Honesty will help address any concerns and set good expectations for your treatment on these medications. If you have questions about your treatment plan, have them ready for your provider.

Questions to ask your prescriber about Concerta and Adderall include:

• Is it safe to take Concerta or Adderall with my other medications?
• Will Concerta or Adderall be covered by my insurance?
• Which one has the best results as a treatment for ADHD?
• Does my medical history increase my risk of side effects for either?
• How long can I expect side effects to last?
• How often should I see you for checkups while taking Concerta or Adderall?
• What should I do if I am unsure whether ADHD medications are right for me?
• What side effects should I be concerned about with these medications?

In My Experience

In my experience, Adderall and Concerta are both effective treatments for ADHD. Which medication fits your treatment depends largely on what you are trying to treat, how you tolerate the medication, and other non-medication factors like cost. If you are concerned with your treatment or have questions, it is important to include your doctor in the discussion as to prevent any complications that may arise.

For Further Reading

• How to Get Prescribed Adderall: Everything You Need to Know
• Treatment for Adult ADHD: Medication, Therapy, & Self-Help Strategies
• Modafinil Vs Adderall: How Do They Compare?
• Mydayis: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, & More
• Mydayis Vs Adderall Comparison
• National Resource Center on ADHD