- Adderall vs. Concerta comparison
- What are Adderall and Concerta?
- What are the uses for Adderall and Concerta?
- What are the side effects of Adderall and Concerta?
- Can I become addicted to these drugs?
- Which drugs interact with Adderall and Concerta?
- Are Adderall and Concerta safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Can I become addicted to these drugs?
Adderall can become physically addictive and cause withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped, whereas these problems aren't typically reported with Concerta or Ritalin. Methylphenidate, however, can be habit-forming and should be tapered off rather than stopped abruptly.Adderall usually is taken once or twice a day with 4-6 hours between doses. The recommended dose is 2.5 to 60 mg daily, depending on the patient's age and condition. Adderall XR (the extended-release version of the drug) is taken once daily in doses of 5 to 40 mg. The entire contents of the Adderall XR capsules can be mixed with food. Avoid late evening doses for both Adderall and Adderall XR to prevent insomnia.
Methylphenidate may be given once, twice, or three times daily, depending on formulation, at dose levels of 18-72 mg total in the day.
Which drugs interact with Adderall and Concerta?
Don't take either Adderall or Concerta with monamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The danger of an extreme high blood pressure reaction to combining MAOIs and either medication is so great, people should avoid taking Adderall or Concerta until two weeks have passed since the last MAOI dose.
High blood pressure is exacerbated by both methylphenidate and the amphetamine and dextroamphetamine in Adderall, therefore; either medication may render blood pressure medications less effective.
Caffeine is also a stimulant, and can adversely magnify effects of both Adderall and Concerta. Coffee and other caffeine-containing beverages should be avoided while taking either medication.
Antacids can also increase the effect of Adderall by allowing the body to absorb more of the amphetamine combination, so avoid antacids while taking Adderall.
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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
