Adderall vs. Concerta

• Both Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) and Concerta (methylphenidate) are stimulants used for treatment of narcolepsy and adult and childhood Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD).
• Adderall contains amphetamines that stimulate the brain and central nervous system, producing a calming effect in adults and children with ADHD. Concerta is a stimulant that acts in a similar manner, but the effect is milder than that of amphetamines.
• Both Adderall and Concerta (which has the same active ingredient as Ritalin) have abuse potential, but only Adderall is physically addictive. The side effects of these drugs can be serious, a few of which include:
  • anxiety,
  • insomnia,
• heart problems, and
• increased blood pressure.
• Both Adderall and Concerta can interact badly with MAO inhibitors and medication for high blood pressure treatment, among other drugs. People taking either Adderall or Concerta should also avoid caffeine.

Amphetamines like those in Adderall stimulate the brain by increasing the level of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Nerves produce neurotransmitter chemicals, which then release and attach to other nearby nerves as a means of communication among nerves. The exact way Adderall works to alleviate ADHD symptoms is unknown.

Methylphenidate, the active ingredient in Concerta and Ritalin, is a medication that stimulates the central nervous system (CNS or brain) with effects similar to the amphetamines in Adderall; however, its effect is milder than those of the amphetamines. An additional difference is that methylphenidate produces more noticeable effects on mental activities of those with ADHD than on motor activities.

Both Adderall and Concerta are used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.

The common side effects of both Adderall and Concerta/Ritalin are similar. They include nervousness, agitation , anxiety, and insomnia, among others.

Both drugs can worsen or cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.

Concerta users have reported involuntary movements and tics, which aren't a side effect of Adderall. Both drugs can cause mental problems and psychosis, however. Adderall users have reported depression, manic episodes, unusual aggression or hostility, hallucinations and even seizures. The mental and neurological side effects with Concerta tend to be less severe.

People with severe anxiety, depression, emotional instability, or motor tics shouldn't take either Adderall or Concerta.

Other less common but serious side effects with these medications are possible. Consult your doctor before taking either.

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.