Concerta vs Adderall XR for ADHD
Concerta vs Adderall XR
Concerta and Adderall XR are two very common and popular treatments for ADHD.
They are both long acting forms of two similar yet different medications: one Ritalin, and one Adderall.
How well do they work? And how do they compare?
If you want to learn more about what Ritalin is and how it works, see here.
Concerta
Concerta is a long acting form of Ritalin, also known as methylphenidate. On a biochemical level, it acts on dopamine and norepinephrine receptors. It temporarily blocks their ability to remove those neurotransmitters from the space in between cells.
And since dopamine and norepinephrine stay around for a longer time, they have a stronger effect. This leads to better focus concentration and motivation.
Adderall XR
Adderall XR is a long acting form of Adderall. Adderall is a mix of different amphetamines, including both the l and the d form. Amphetamines, like Ritalin, also act to prevent the removal of dopamine and norepinephrine from the space inbetween cells.
Unlike Ritalin, however, Adderall may also cause the cell to pump out dopamine.
Efficacy: Concerta vs Adderall XR
About the same percentage of people will get benefit from Concerta as will from Adderall XR. They work at almost the exact same rates. Around 70% of those who use either medication along with therapy will have very significant improvement in ADHD symptoms.
We recommend that you read our analysis of Ritalin vs Adderall to learn more about the specific differences between the two.
That said, it is possible that someone will respond better to Concerta than to Adderall. Dr. Tuckman, a clinician with significant ADHD experience, reports that roughly 1/3 of patients will respond best to a Ritalin type medication, 1/3 best to an amphetamine, and 1/3 will respond equally to both.
Long lasting form
It is important to note that both Concerta and Adderall XR are long lasting forms of stimulant medication. They both last for an extended period of time, roughly 10-12 hours.
This is important because clinicians report superior treatment results with long lasting forms as opposed to the instant release. Studies are also starting to strongly support the superiority of long lasting treatment versus short lasting.
In one study of 70 patients, for instance, 97% preferred the long acting form of Ritalin over the short acting. In another, 44% of those on long lasting form of medication had ADHD symptom remission, as opposed to only 16% of those on short acting.
Side Effects
Both Concerta and Adderall XR have similar rates and similar types of side effects.
The most common side effects from both include anxiety, insomnia, and trouble eating. Some studies have indicated that side effects for the medications tend to diminish over time. This may be due to the body becoming used to the med. It may also be because those for whom it is a significant issue, discontinue use.
It is possible that long term use of either medication is associated with slight decreases in weight and/or height in children.
Related Articles:
ADHD and ADD Online Diagnostic Test
ADHD/ADD Natural Remedy Report
Overcoming ADHD: A Guide for Parents
My son is 12 years old and was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 6. We started with 5 mg of Focalin XR and over the years increased it to 20mg. It seemed like the meds werent working anymore so we changed doctors (found one that actually does med checks every 6 months–previous doctor did no such thing) and changed to Concerta 36mg. That didnt help so we went to 72mg and I thought it was great. He’d been taking that for the past year and it lasted the full 12 hours so that meant we were able to do homework without a meltdown every night. I make sure he eats breakfast before he takes his meds and he has a much better appetite than with Focalin. Once his meds wear off he is still an eating machine but its ok with me. He’s never had any trouble sleeping. The trouble is getting him to finally stop moving and thinking and then he’s out for the night. His biggest issue is with school and this year he’s started middle school, 6th grade, and we’re having the same slew of problems. The teachers have comented that he’s not focused and have wondered if he was on his meds. Went to the doc the other day and she suggested we try Adderral 25mg. I’m a little nervous about the change. Today he’s taken the first one since its the weekend and I can mointor him. I will write back and report how it goes. From what I’m reading Concerta seems to be gentler than Adderall but more effective than Focalin.
Ok , so nine days later I honeslty don’t see much of a difference between Concerta and Adderall. Haven’t heard from the teachers yet….
Dawn, I read your email and I was shocked at the dose of Concerta that he was taking. 72mg? My son is a Junior in high school and he says 36mg is too much for him. It makes him very withdrawn. I have two sons with ADHA and I am familiar with the different meds and doses. I think you might want to get a different opinion about your sons ADHA diagnosis.
Lisa~whats your experience with Adderol? Concerta was acting fine during the day on my 8 year old daughter, but the sleeplessness and anxiety were too much(on us). Then she has a couple nights of “I don’t know if I belong here on Earth” nights which made us pull the plug on Concerta. We are trying the Adderol now and so far, she is falling asleep normally. As I type this, however, she has woken up and needed to be checked on. What has your(or anyone’s) experiences been with these drugs?
Kirk- my daughter had the same issues with concerta. we tried a cpl other meds but concerta worked great for her concentration minus the side effects. her doctor started her on remeron at night. all the bad side effects went away and now she is doing fantastic.
I have ADHD. I’ve found Adderall to be more effective then Concerta. Concerta gives me a twitch and makes my blood pressure rise out of control. When I was a kid, no one was diagnosed with ADHD (thank God). So I feel I have a different view on it. The best thing I’ve received from the medication is a new awareness of my ADHD. It has allowed me to recognize the ADHD “feeling” and reign it in. Don’t get me wrong from time to time it escapes, but it has allowed me to take less of this potentially damaging medication and be an overall happier person. I take pride in my ADHD, it allows me to think and process information in ways you “normal” people will never understand.
Ive been on various meds including all the ones in the conversations here. Ive found finding a good balance of exercise, hard work, fun and cognitive thearapy along with a low dose of meds works wonders. For people with adhd that are on meds patience seems to be a common problem( at least with people who ive met)… Its good to develop a full range of personality and not let meds control how you act, rather just assist you. Hope this helps.
HI MY SON HAVE 10 YEARS OLD AND IS WITH ADDERAL SINCE DECEMBER 10, IN 15 MLG, BUT HE LOST 10 POUNDS AND HE LOST THE APPETIZE AND I TALKES TO HIS DR AND HE GAVE ME A SAMPLE OF INTUNIV, IM VERY WORRIED ABOUT TO TRY A NEW MEDICATION. ANYONE KNOWS SOMETHING ABOUT THAT MEDICATION????
INTUNIV SOUNDS TO ANYONE???
Hello everyone, I am currently taking Concerta. It seems like every time I decided to try something different it backfires. Okay, first of all, when I was officially diagnosed with ADHD, Predominently the Inattentive Type, I was given Ritalin PO twice daily to keep my focus, concentration, and motivation throughout the school day. My mother gave it to me on an as needed basis. If I had something to do or had somewhere to go on the weekend I took it. If not, she did not give that dose. I took Ritalin from the age of 7/8 up until 9th grade. I then started Adderall, the instsant release. I guess that one backfired because I was given 20 mg and my mother seemed to think it made things worse not better. I kind of know what she means and I’ll tell you why I said just that in a minute. Trying to keep my focus and concentration so that I don’t stray away from the path I am on…lol…Anyway, I took that one for one year and then my primary care physician mentioned Concerta! I had no idea there was such a thing as a stimulant that lasted all day without having to take it twice a day. I was excited and started right a way. I continued taking Concerta ER all the way until college. I continued, off and on, throughout college and my adult years. However, somewhere in the middle I took Straterra when that first came out. I was excited about that too since it worked for 24 hours…again, backfired on me!! I got very drowsy during the day and my judgment was more off then usual with some who has ADD/ADHD. It also made me sick inside. My first dose made me nauseated, dizzy, and felt like I wanted to throw up within an hour and I did just that exactly an hour after taking the stupid pill. So, I scratched that one off and just chalked it up to not agreeing with me and went back to the Concerta ER. Okay, now lets fastforward to the here and now. I started, about two to three months ago, taking Vyvanse, the longest acting stimulant out of curiosity along with feeling like the Concerta was losing its effectiveness. Actually, eventually, I felt like the Concerta was doing nothing for me at all to the point that I lost my job over my lack of focus and concentration. I was easily distracted by everything else around me. Well, yet another medication that backfired. I had no idea, to be honest, that it was exactly the same as Adderall except that it lasts for 12 to 14 hours rather then 10 to 12 hours. A cousin of mine who is just beginning as a pharmacist explained it well. After researching about the drug and comparing it to Adderall, she said the only difference is that the inactive inredient in the Vyvanse, in which Adderall does not have, converts into the dextroametaphine, which is basically Adderall XR. And, she said that is probably why it lasts longer then the Adderall. She also said that it is, of course, made by the same company. I guess they were just selling me a bill of goods…lol…well, except that it DOES last longer. However, I guess since the Adderall backfired, on a mild end of the spectrum, I was taking 20 mg at that time, the Vyvanse made things worse since I was taking 30 mg, which was okay at first, then upped it to 40 mg, which made me rapid cycle big time like a Bipolar person, then dropped back to 30 mg and still mildly rapid cycling…more or less became a Hyperfocused ADD person in which that is not me. Yes, I can hyperfocus at times, but that is more the inattentiveness to get things done that need to be done. I did not like who I became when I was taking Vyvanse and stopped taking it. So, now we get to TODAY….I took my first dose of Concerta ER 36 mg, in which I had been taking for years, and feel great. Focus, concentration, and motivation is back again. I also don’t feel like I am in a constant fog, going in and out throughout the day either. I do tend to get a little anxious while on this drug, I guess because I have mild anxiety as it is, more or less nervous thoughts in my head, but I can deal with that. I think if I find some natural tricks to curve the nervous thoughts/nervous habits that look like impusles to others, then I think I might be okay in the end. However, what do I do when I want to have children. I will eventually have to go off it and I don’t know how I would be able to manage life with the constant foggy mind and constant worries about little things in life that aren’t healthy to obsess/worry about. I guess that’s where a support system comes in. Currently, I am not married, but have a boyfriend and we have been talking about marriage lately. I don’t know when, but he says someday soon enough. Plus, I have my family as well. When I was excessively worrying about what I would do without medication my boyfriend told me that he would be very supportive and helpful which makes me more relieved in the end. And, I think if I live close to my parents, in the beginning, I can get some help from my parents, mainly my mother on an as needed basis. So, in the end, I think I might do just fine. It isn’t as bad as I think. And, as for the medication, I think I might just stick to the Concerta for now and probably won’t change that since everything else, non-methylphenadate related, backfired, I think I’ll stick to it and just stop using every so often at appropriate times so that it doesn’t lose its effectiveness. Now, Lyna, I don’t know about Intuniv. I kinda was wondering about it myself. But, it sounds like your son might be having a mild side effect from the Adderall. I know, when I take my Concerta, I lose appetite as well. But, in my case, it is a good thing. It just keeps my weight in check, that’s all. But, it sounds like it is not healthy for your son and you should definitely talk to his psychiatrist or doctor, whomever he is seeing. It sounds to me like he might need something different. But, at least he isn’t having any of the side effects I got when on Adderall or Vyvanse. The higher the dose the more irritable I got and the more hyperfocused I was in the end. I focused, sure, but not on what needed my focus and attention. Recently, when on the Vyvanse, I was hyperfocusing on my new phone given to me by my boyfriend, an old phone he wasn’t currently using but still paying for. He threatened to take it away because I was focusing more on the stupid phone and less on him when he would come to see me…lol…so there you have it…not good for me. Now, as for the appetite, I wasn’t sure if it was doing anything but causing me to just forget to eat lunch. I wouldn’t say it was causing me to LOSE appetite, but it was just causing me, due to hyperfocus issues, forget to eat lunch at times which was not good either. So, in the end, like I said, I personally like the Concerta. It doesn’t last as long, but I’d rather it be this way then the way I was before. Plus, I could always be prescribed something within the instant release group to keep me going at night since I am starting school in the Fall and I have one night class. Other then that, I think life will be just fine:) Good luck with your son and I hope you find the right solution so that he can succeed in life and be the best he can be at whatever he wants to be:)
Sorry for the ramble, but it was quite a long story to tell…lol….
Tina, I do NOT want any of my kids on any type of med that you are on. You are jumping out of your skin, you can tell by your posting – that is not normal & you need help ASAP
I just wanted to say that I couldn’t be more happy with how concerta has helped my son!He is almost 10,and was diagnosed with adhd when he was 5 years old.We went through all the basic meds know to treat adhd.He did fine on ritalin for the first year.Then we tried adderral,he lost way too much weight.Finally his new doctor put him on concerta,which has turned out to be the best for him!It helps him focus in school and to “contain”himself enough to follow directions.He started on 17 mg/1xa day-2years later he increased to 27mg/1x a day.He went on vacation 1 week ago,and with bad timeing he was without his meds for 3 days.The therapy and copeing skills he learned really helped him!He was a little more hyper than usual,but handeled himself quite nicely.I spoke with his doctor today about it and he said that is the intent of medication-to help the child deal with the symptoms until the child learns enough about himself and his condition to manage it properly.The earlier treatment is given,the earlier meds become no longer needed(in most cases).We are very grateful we found concerta,because it not only helped him,he never suffered from any side affects, unlike the other meds we tried!-Give concerta a chance-it may be the one you have been looking for!-it won’t be right for everyone,but you don’t know till you try!
My 6 year old has been on Adderall for almost a year but the side effects have been horrible, intense ticks, gittery, and sleepless nights and it enhanced his already aggressive moods even with mood stabalizers. Recently we tried Daytrona patch but that failed with days because my child is extrememly hairy ( I had to shave him), he was picking at him and it left a rash. Then they put him on Clonodine which had NO EFFECT what so ever and he completely reverted back to out of control no focus, frustrated, aggressive and unable to follow any direction. The last few days he has been on Concerta and so far WOW!! The twitchiness is not there, he’s able to focus on tasks and still have fun, and there is no roller coaster affect of ups and downs!!..So far I’m impressed and hope it’s stays this way for further improvements in his schooling!!!
I have been living with ADHD for 19 years. I was first diagnosed at the age of 6. Life has been very challenging and tough, especially when it came to school work. I was not put on any medication for my ADHD because my parents were against it; they believe in more of the holistic type of medicine. Here I am at the age of 25 and I see a therapist and psychiatrist regularly, they both have understood my parents views but think its now time that I once and for all get some medication assistance for my ADHD. I was perscribed Adderall 3 days ago and I am starting the medication today. I hope this medication helps my mind from racing and consistiantly jumping from one thing to another. I want to know what it is like to be “normal” or “focused”. Meaning I want to be able to read a book and know what I read and not have to read each page over and over and over again. Well wish me luck!
WOW, Ms. TINA! i was directed to this discussion of a search for concerta vs adderall. the short story that you wrote was of no help to me. i would suggest having several doctors opinions for your specific diagnosis, its clear that you have yet to be correctly diagnosed. hope you get better.
My daughter was diagnoised with adhd 3 years ago,we did the adderall first and it worked for a few
months she lost a lot of weight initally thenwe tried the concerta and she has rage issues with it we took her off after two weekd then we did the vyvanse that worked for about a year then it seemed to lose it’s effectivness so she is back on adderall with intuniv which is supposed to help with odd
oppositional defiance disorder I did not see any change with the intuniv so her dr took her off of it.Tina
go find a doctor who knows about adhd get some new tests done there are so many bad doctors out there who are in in for the money but there are also some good ones .Y ou deserve to find out what the real problem is and have it treated and I wish you every luck and happiness .MY daughter isa freshman and we have had quiet the journey so far but hopefull it will get easier.
FYI to everyone who gives and takes any medication for ADD/ADHD Benadryl is a great medication to use as a balance for the ticks, and tremors plus other side affects, when taking any of these medications ( I am not a doctor so dont hold me to it ) I have a son who has been on medication for years, (3yrs old) he is 11 and all I do is try to help him find a balance somewhere and always try to rescreach every medication before giving it to him…. He is on the Vyvannce right now 70mg and Zypexa 5mg and dopacoptie 500mg and the colindine 0.1 x 3 and sometimes still have to give him the benadryl 50mg to sleep its really sad for his age
My story is a bit different as I wasn’t diagnosed until my middle adult years. How I managed to get through college and a career, with regular promotions, etc., is beyond me.
I went to my doc originally to get help with depression. He diagnosed ADD instead and had me on Adderall XR 25 mg.
I cannot tell you the difference in how it made me feel. Positive, for one thing. Also, I was able to organize plans so much better as well as not let things overwhelm me as they used to do. It was a wonder drug, and I still think for a lot of people stimulants in general, if used in the correct doseage, can really help a lot of folks, especially those of us that also suffer from depression or another co-morbid disorder. It may require trying a few different meds, but at least you’ll be able to tell in a matter of days, instead of months (like we have to do with a number of the anti-depressants)!
Scott
My son was diagnosed with ADHD at the end of last year and we tried Adderal for a short period of time. I stopped giving it to him because I was really concerned about the changes. Interestingly, without meds he constantly wants things…on the med he discusssed about how much things cost and how he shouldn’t. He seemed a little bit more focused on school work as well. The problem is he acts extremely depressed and tearful and it makes me concerned. Is this a normal side effect that goes away? Anyone else have these problems. His school work is suffering and it’s clearly because he’s not focused. I need to have an intervention now. I can’t imagine what it’s like for him at school when it’s a continual struggle with homework at home. A math sheet that should take 10 minutes turns into a 40 minute ordeal. He also has difficulty swallowing pills. I have an appointment with his pediatrician next week. Any recommendations as to what I should ask for?
We learned a valuable lesson with our 10 yr old. He was on ADHD medicine and started losing weight. He was already low on the scale. His right eye started bulging out and we took him to an endocrinologist. Short story was his thyroid was bad and the Dr asked us why we didn’t have him tested for thyroid disease before prescribing Ritalin. He is now on Methimazole and off Ritalin. His prognosis is good but he will have his thyroid removed or radioactively neutralized at some point. We caught it early so make sure you rule out the thyroid before getting massive doses of Ritalin.
Wow…Thank you Brian! I have a bad thyroid and am researching Ritalin for myself. I had no idea.
IMHO Concerta can’t hold a candle to Adderall. The stimulants just work better. It’s seems like old technology but it works. I’ve taken both…my productivity dropped tremendously on Concerta.
- Adult, 40, ADD
@Tina – I am wondering if you see a psychiatrist? It might be a good idea to do that. Primary care doctors are great, however, sometimes it is best to see a psychiatrist to help treat psychiatric issues (i.e. ADHD). Your post is tangential, long, and difficult to follow – you may be over medicated or mis-diagnosed.
Hi everyone, my son is 11 years old and has been on concerta for 3 years, he is a twin but she’s a girl and she is fine, they are the opposite, she’s an A/B student. Concerta has been helping him stay focus and on task, for the last 2 years. now this is the 3rd year and he’s in the 6th grade, he’s off track, not organized,grades not to good,teacher calling me. He is on 18mg 1 a day. We went to the Dr. on Friday for his physical, I told the Dr. what was going on and so she said she was going to prescribe 27mg 1 a day. I am hoping this will help him get back on track.
well my daughter has ADHD and ADD she has been taking her med’s since she was 5 she is now 8.Befor i found out she had ADHD i would get a call home from school every day katie did this katie did that….even when she was at home she could not get along with her brother or sister she would hit them for no reason she would be so out of control i wouldn’t know what to do half the time so i would just cry….so i finally took her to the doc and he said she has ADHD and ADD…i asked what is that he told me . He put her on day and evening meds …so its been 3 years so far since she has been on them she is doing a lot better in school a bit better at home ……But about a month ago i notice she was getting bald spots on the side of her head and she wouldnt eat … i took her back to the doc he did some blood work on her and said he would get back to me it’s been 1 month since we have seen him and nothing back from him yet….i really dont like the med’s she is on….I feel so bad for her i just want to take her off them ….
Tina, thank you so much for your post. I have been dealing with add symtoms for a long time but never realized what is was until recently. I’m 29 now and have been through all the anxiety and depression meds hoping they would help me. I own a business and never got anything done, ive always done good in school but cant study for tests. While all this was happening i didnt know why and would get depressed and anxious about it. (Thats why the meds) I have started taking the concerta 27mg and feel great. I just started but will follow up to check in. Thank you everyone.