Concerta vs Adderall: Differences, side effects, and dosage Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Concerta vs Adderall What is the difference Medically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH — By Timothy Huzar on August 30, 2022Concerta and Adderall are stimulant medications. A doctor may prescribe these drugs to someone with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. Stimulants work by helping to regulate chemicals in a person’s brain that support thinking and paying attention. Stimulants can have various side effects. However, they are generally safe and effective at treating the symptoms of ADHD. This article looks at the differences between Concerta and Adderall, including their effects, dosage, and complications. Concerta vs Adderall Share on PinterestAitor Diago/Getty ImagesConcerta and Adderall are both stimulants, and they work in similar ways. However, they contain two different types of drugs. Concerta is a brand name for the drug methylphenidate in an extended-release formulation. This means the drug is released over time. Methylphenidate is the same drug that is in Ritalin. However, Concerta releases over a longer period. Learn more about methylphenidate here. Adderall contains two drugs, which are amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Adderall is available in extended-release and immediate-release forms. According to CHADD’s National Resource Center on ADHD, Concerta can last between 10⁠–12 hours. Extended-release Adderall, known as Adderall XR, can last between 8⁠–12 hours. Immediate-release Adderall has a duration of 4⁠⁠–8 hours. Concerta and Adderall both come in tablet form. Adderall XR comes as a capsule. A person must swallow Concerta tablets whole for them to work properly. The tablets have a triple-release system that works in the following way:The outer coating of the Concerta tablet contains the medication methylphenidate. This medication begins to take effect after 10–15 minutes.Once the coating has dissolved, a tiny hole appears in the tablet’s shell. A compartment inside the shell expands as it absorbs liquid from the stomach. As it expands, it pushes the medication out through the tiny hole.The shell also contains two compartments for medication. The first compartment contains 30% of the drug, and the second contains 70%. This increase in the second compartment helps to counteract a decline in the drug’s impact later in the day. A person can swallow Adderall XR capsules whole or open them and sprinkle them onto food. The beads inside Adderall XR release 50% of the medication immediately. The other 50% is extended-release. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 70–80% of children see an improvement in their ADHD symptoms when taking these drugs. Learn the differences between Adderall and Concerta here. Who should take them A doctor may prescribe Concerta or Adderall to a person with ADHD as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for their ADHD. People can also use these medications to treat narcolepsy, a condition that causes a person to suddenly fall asleep. The charity Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) states that a comprehensive treatment plan would typically include:general education about ADHDinformation on the treatment options, including their pros and conscoping strategies for the symptoms of ADHD, such as behavioral therapymedications, such as Concerta or Adderallmental health support for the person with ADHD and their familychanges to tuition if the person with ADHD is in school, The CDC recommends a combination of behavioral therapy and medication for children aged 6 years and above with ADHD. Doctors usually recommend behavioral therapy for children under 6 years old with ADHD. The CDC also notes that behavioral therapy is just as effective as medication for children under 6. Additionally, it is unclear what the long-term effects of ADHD medications on young children are. Learn more about ADHD medications here. How does Concerta feel compared to Adderall Both Concert and Adderall can improve:alertnessattentionenergy However, there are differences in how Concerta feels compared to Adderall. People can feel the effects of Concerta after around 10–15 minutes. Adderall takes around 30–45 minutes to take effect. Concerta wears off after 8–12 hours, whereas Adderall only lasts 3-4 hours. Concerta releases medication over a long period. Adderall releases medication over a shorter time, which may make its effects more noticeable. Learn about the long-term effects of ADHD medications here. Can a person take them together There is little research into how Concerta and Adderall interact with each other. A doctor is unlikely to suggest that a person takes them together. Concerta and Adderall work in similar ways, and a person may be more likely to have adverse side effects if they take both. Learn about drug interactions here. Side effects Concerta and Adderall are generally safe when a person takes them according to their doctor’s instructions. However, both can have significant side effects. A 2018 systematic review and network meta-analysis examined the safety and effectiveness of common ADHD drugs. The authors found that methylphenidate, the active ingredient in Concerta, was generally best for adolescents and children with ADHD. Amphetamines, such as Adderall, were generally the best for adults with ADHD. However, the authors only looked at short-term effects on ADHD symptoms and short-term side effects. However, research from 2015 suggests that long-term use of stimulants should carry minimal risk. The side effects of Concerta and Adderall can include:upset stomachloss of appetiteheadachesleep problemsdelayed growthticsmoodinessirritability Both Concerta and Adderall can cause serious complications. Rare side effects of both medications include:significant increases in blood pressure or heart rateshortness of breathsevere anxietypanic attacksmaniahallucinationsparanoiadelusionssevere muscle painweaknesssigns of dehydration, or dark urineprolonged and painful erectionschanges in feeling or color in fingers or toes If a person experiences any of these symptoms while taking Concerta or Adderall, they should contact their doctor. Learn more about the side effects of Adderall here. Dosage The dosage for Concerta and Adderall depends on a person’s individual needs. According to CHADD, a doctor may suggest a trial introduction of one of the drugs to monitor the effects. Concerta comes in dosage strengths of:18 milligrams (mg)27 mg 36 mg54 mg Adderall XR is available in doses of:5 mg10 mg15 mg20 mg25 mg30 mg Adderall can contain doses of:5 mg7.5 mg10 mg12.5 mg15 mg20 mg30 mg A doctor may start by prescribing a small dosage of either medication. If the person tolerates the dosage but still experiences symptoms, the doctor may increase the dosage. This can continue until they find a balance between the effectiveness of the medication and minimizing any side effects. Learn more about Concerta, including dosage, here. Complications A person should not take Concerta if they have:a structural heart defectuncontrolled high blood pressurea disorder of the heart or blood vessels The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states that methylphenidate may have links with a rare increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Amphetamines, such as Adderall, have a high potential for misuse. Taking high doses of Adderall can cause feelings of euphoria. However, misuse of Adderall can result in sudden death or a serious cardiovascular event. Learn more about amphetamines here. Outlook Stimulants such as Concerta and Adderall can treat ADHD effectively, particularly when combined with behavioral therapies. However, more research is necessary to understand the long-term effects of these medications. A person needs to to have regular checkups with their doctor when they are taking Concerta or Adderall. Last medically reviewed on August 30, 2022Mental HealthADHD / ADDPharmacy / Pharmacist 15 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Adderall – dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate tablet. (2022).https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f22635fe-821d-4cde-aa12-419f8b53db81ADHD medications approved by the US FDA. (2021).https://chadd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ADHD-MEDICATIONS-APPROVED-BY-THE-US-FDA-2021.pdfADHD quick facts: Medication in ADHD treatment. (n.d.).https://chadd.org/about-adhd/adhd-quick-facts-medication-in-adhd-treatment/Amphetamine (Adderall). (2021).https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Amphetamine-(Adderall)Boorady, R. (2021). Side effects of ADHD medication.https://childmind.org/article/side-effects-of-adhd-medication/Boorady, R. (2021). Stimulant medications for ADHD.https://childmind.org/article/understanding-adhd-medications/Concerta (methylphenidate HCl). Extended-release tablets CII. (n.d.).https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/021121s014lbl.pdfCortese, S., et al. (2018). Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(18)30269-4/fulltextCraig, S. G., et al. (2015). Long-term effects of stimulant treatment for ADHD: What can we tell our patients?https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40474-015-0039-5Managing medication. (n.d.).https://chadd.org/for-parents/managing-medication/Martinez-Raga, J., et al. (2016). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder medication use: Factors involved in prescribing, safety aspects and outcomes.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2042098616679636Mental health medications. (2022). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medicationsMethylphenidate or dexmethylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin and others). (2019).https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Methylphenidate-or-Dexmethylphenidate-(Concerta-RTreatment of ADHD. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/treatment.htmlTreatment overview. (n.d.).https://chadd.org/for-parents/treatment-overview/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH — By Timothy Huzar on August 30, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageAdderall and alcohol: What you need to knowMedically reviewed by Femi Aremu, PharmD There are risks and dangers to drinking alcohol alongside Adderall. Here, we look at the potential risks of combining alcohol and adderall.READ MOREAre there natural remedies for ADHD?Medically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH ADHD is a behavioral disorder in which a person has a limited attention span and bouts of hyperactivity. Learn natural remedies for treating the…READ MOREHow are Dexedrine and Adderall different?Medically reviewed by Lindsay Slowiczek, PharmD Dexedrine and Adderall are two medications that are commonly used to treat ADHD. Both drugs are similar, but there are some differences in how they…READ MOREAdults with ADHD may be twice as likely to develop cardiovascular diseases Adults with ADHD may be twice as likely to develop cardiovascular diseases, a large population-based study in Sweden found.READ MOREWhat to know about object permanence and ADHDMedically reviewed by Karin Gepp, PsyD Object permanence is the ability to understand that an object continues to exist, even though it is out of sight. It can affect people with ADHD…READ MORE