Introduction
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder. It is a mental disorder that often starts in childhood and continues till adulthood. A report from the year 2023 suggested that approximately 2.6% of the United States’ total population had ADHD since their childhood.
If you are ever diagnosed with ADHD your doctor may have prescribed you either Adderall or Concerta drugs. Both these medicines are used as central nervous system stimulating drugs and administered to treat ADHD in patients.
In this article, we will learn some differences between Adderall and Concerta drugs, including their mechanism of action, doses, side effects, and other factors. This article will help you decide which drug will suit you better between Adderall and Concerta.
COMPARISON BETWEEN ADDERALL AND CONCERTA DRUGS
Overview
Adderall
Adderall is a combination drug of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. They both work as a central nervous system stimulant. Adderall is used to treat ADHD in children and adults and narcolepsy in adults only. Adderall helps in controlling impulsivity and in improving focus. It is available in the form of immediate-release and extended-release oral tablets.
Adderall is approved by the FDA for prescription use only. It is categorized as a Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA in the United States.
Concerta
Concerta is a brand name for methylphenidate. It comes under the category of stimulant drugs. Concerta is used to treat ADHD in patients above the age of 6 years. It balances certain chemicals in the brain resulting in relaxation in the brain. It is available in immediate release form.
It is approved by the FDA and categorized as a Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA in the United States due to its high potency for abuse and misuse.
Mechanism of Drug Action
Adderall
Adderall helps increase the level of dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine in the brain and enhances neurotransmission. It redistributes the dopamine and blocks the monoamine transporters.
This process helps in improving the person’s ability to pay attention, focus, and stay alert and wakeful.
Concerta
Concerta acts as a reuptake inhibitor of norepinephrine and dopamine. Methylphenidate, the active ingredient of Concerta affects dopamine more than norepinephrine in comparison to other stimulants.
Concerta increases the level of certain chemicals in the brain which helps in treating ADHD and in improving focus and attention in patients.
Uses
Adderall
Adderall is used to treat narcolepsy in adults and ADHD in patients above the age of 6 years. The other off-label uses of Adderall include treatment for anxiety, depression, and weight loss.
Although, the FDA does not approve the off-label uses of Adderall.
Concerta
Concerta is administered to treat ADHD in patients between the ages of 6 and 65 years. It is also used in managing the symptoms of ADHD like restlessness, inability to focus, difficulty in paying attention, and other symptoms.
Doses and Dosages
Adderall
Adderall ER
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 25 mg
- 30 mg
Adderall IR
- 5 mg
- 7.5 mg
- 10 mg
- 12.5 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
Concerta
Concerta
- 18 mg
- 26 mg
- 37 mg
- 54 mg
Side Effects
Adderall
Common side effects of Adderall:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Mood swings
- Low appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
Severe side effects of Adderall:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Numbness in fingers and toes
- Pale skin
- Hallucinations
- Pain in the chest
- Aggression
- Muscle twitching
- Seizures
Concerta
Common side effects of Concerta:
- Pain in the stomach
- Nervousness
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Insomnia
Severe side effects of Concerta:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Episodes of hallucination
- Brain tumor
- Sleep disorders
- Mental health disorders
Precautions
- You should avoid working on heavy machinery and driving while on either of these drugs.
- Both Adderall and Concerta can interact with other medicines. Make sure you inform your healthcare provider about all the other medications you are consuming.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before taking either Adderall or Concerta medicines.
- You should always monitor the height and weight of the pediatric patient who is consuming Adderall or Concerta drugs.
- If you experience any side effects after consuming either of these drugs seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet, swallow it whole with or without water.
- You should avoid alcohol while on Adderall or Concerta medication.
- Make sure you tell about your health history to your health care provider to decrease the chances of any severe aftereffects.
