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Compare Evekeo vs. Ritalin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Amphetamine sulfate (Evekeo, Adzenys XR ODT) and Methylphenidate ER (Concerta, Adhansia XR) are both stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but they have some differences. Amphetamine sulfate is also approved for narcolepsy and short-term obesity treatment, while Methylphenidate ER is only approved for ADHD. Amphetamine sulfate comes in various forms, including tablets, dissolvable tablets, and liquids, whereas Methylphenidate ER is available in tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and liquids. Both medications can cause difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite, but Methylphenidate ER might also cause headaches and stomach pain. Amphetamine sulfate works by raising levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, while Methylphenidate ER primarily affects norepinephrine and dopamine. Both medications have a risk of misuse and dependence and are controlled substances. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's important to discuss the risks and benefits of these medications with your provider.

  • Amphetamine (Evekeo)
    Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
  • Amphetamine (Evekeo)
    Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

  • Summary of Evekeo vs. Ritalin

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Immediate-release amphetamine, also known under the brand name Evekeo, is a stimulant. It's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 3 years and older. This medication can also help adults and some kids with narcolepsy. It's also approved to be used for a few weeks as an add-on treatment for obesity in people 12 and older. Immediate-release amphetamine comes as a tablet that you swallow with liquid. The dosage depends on why you're taking it and how well it works for you. Side effects can include loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. There are brand-name and generic versions. But there are special restrictions to get it because it's a controlled substance.

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) is a stimulant medication that's used for treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness) in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It works by raising the levels of certain chemicals in your brain to keep you focused and awake. The dosage is typically 2 to 3 times per day because it's an immediate-release form of methylphenidate. Side effects of this medication include low appetite, nervousness, and trouble sleeping.

  • Indications of Evekeo vs. Ritalin

    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy
    •Short-term add-on treatment for obesity
    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

  • Pros and Cons of Evekeo vs. Ritalin

    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •One of the first-choice medications for ADHD
    •Typically works within 45 minutes
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependence
    •Lasts just 4 to 6 hours, so might need to take more than one time each day
    •Can cause higher blood pressure
    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •First-choice medication to treat ADHD in adults and children.
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available as an oral tablet, chewable tablet, and liquid
    Cons
    •Is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse and dependence
    •Shouldn't stop taking this medication suddenly without talking to your provider first because of greater risk for mood changes
    •Can negatively affect growth in children

  • Common Side Effects of Evekeo vs. Ritalin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low appetite
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Headache
    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects might differ depending on the formulation. In general:

    •Headache
    •Anxiety
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Weight loss

  • Warnings of Evekeo vs. Ritalin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of misuse and addiction
    •Risks to people with serious heart conditions
    •Higher blood pressure and faster heart rate
    •Strange thoughts or behaviors
    •Slow growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Problems with blood flow in the arms and legs, including Raynaud's phenomenon
    •Serotonin syndrome
    Common Side Effects for
    •Misuse and dependence
    •Serious heart problems
    •Changes in behavior or thoughts
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Blood circulation problem (Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drug interactions
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only

  • Prices with our coupons for Evekeo vs. Ritalin

    Learn more about Amphetamine
    Learn more about Methylphenidate

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