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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
    Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
  • Amphetamine
    Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

  • Summary of Evekeo vs. Ritalin

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Amphetamine is one of the first-choice treatments that's used for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This medication has a few brand names (e.g., Evekeo, Dynavel XR, Adzenys). It's available in many dosage forms: immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), and oral liquids. Possible side effects include difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and high blood pressure. It's important to take amphetamine as prescribed to avoid overdose or withdrawal symptoms (e.g., daytime sleepiness, larger appetite, agitation).

    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) - immediate-release, extended-release, and ODTs
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness) - immediate-release tablets only
    •Short-term add-on treatment for obesity - immediate-release tablets only
    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 treatments for ADHD
    •Available in many dosage forms (tablets, dissolvable tablets, liquid)
    •Some forms available as lower-cost generic medications
    •Can be used in children
    •Works within 1 hour for most people to treat symptoms of ADHD
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependence
    •Is a controlled substance so there can be special requirements for filling a prescription
    •Orally disintegrating tablets are only available as a brand-name medication.
    •Not all forms are the same or can be substituted for one another.
    •Might not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    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

    *Side effects might differ depending on the form and brand of amphetamine you're taking. In general:

    •Lower appetite
    •Stomach upset
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Changes in mood
    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
    •Misuse, addiction, and dependence
    •Serious heart or blood flow problems
    •Aggressive behavior and psychosis
    •Slow growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Raynaud's phenomenon
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Vision problems
    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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