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Compare Intuniv vs. Concerta

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

Key takeaways

Guanfacine ER (Intuniv) and Methylphenidate ER (Concerta) are both used to treat ADHD, but they belong to different medication classes and work differently. Guanfacine ER is an alpha-2A agonist and is not a stimulant, making it a good option for those who can't take stimulants. It's typically taken once daily at night and can take several weeks to start working. Common side effects include sleepiness and tiredness. On the other hand, Methylphenidate ER is a stimulant and is considered a first-choice medication for ADHD. It starts working within 2 hours and lasts throughout the day, but it can cause difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite. Methylphenidate ER has a risk of misuse and dependency, making it a controlled substance, whereas Guanfacine ER is not. Additionally, Methylphenidate ER is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids, while Guanfacine ER is only available as a tablet.

  • Guanfacine er (Intuniv)
    Methylphenidate er
  • Guanfacine er (Intuniv)
    Methylphenidate er

  • Summary of Intuniv vs. Concerta

    Summary for Alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Guanfacine ER (Intuniv) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in kids ages 6 to 17 years old. Guanfacine ER (Intuniv) isn't a controlled substance and can be an alternative to stimulant-based ADHD medications. Keep in mind that only the extended-release (ER) version of guanfacine, under the brand name Intuniv ER, is approved to treat ADHD. It's taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some common side effects of guanfacine ER (Intuniv) include sleepiness and tiredness. Guanfacine ER (Intuniv) is available as a lower-cost generic medication.

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Methylphenidate extended-release (ER) is a first-choice option for people with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This once-daily medication can start to work within 2 hours and can last throughout the day. Methylphenidate ER can cause difficulty sleeping and a loss of appetite. It also has a potential risk of misuse and dependency and is thus a controlled substance.

  • Indications of Intuniv vs. Concerta

    Indications for
    •Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    Indications for
    •Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

  • Pros and Cons of Intuniv vs. Concerta

    Pros and Const for Alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Not a stimulant, so doesn't have same side effects typically linked to stimulants
    •Can be taken alone or with other medications for ADHD
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Only taken once daily
    •Not a controlled substance since there's no concern for abuse and dependence
    Cons
    •Might take several weeks to start working
    •Not a long-term medication for ADHD
    •Commonly causes sleepiness and tiredness
    •Not approved for adults with ADHD
    •Might not work as well for older children (13 to 17 years old)
    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •First-choice medication for ADHD
    •Taken only once per day
    •Available in many different forms (e.g., pills, chewable tablet, liquid)
    •Some brands available in lower-cost generic form
    •Can be prescribed for children as young as 6 years old
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependency
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
    •Dose needs to be raised and lowered slowly to avoid bothersome side effects like distress and trouble sleeping
    •Not the best choice for pregnant or breastfeeding females or people with heart conditions
    •Can interact with certain blood pressure medications and depression medications

  • Common Side Effects of Intuniv vs. Concerta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (38%)
    •Tiredness (14%)
    •Low blood pressure (7%)
    •Nausea (6%)
    •Lack of energy (6%)
    •Dizziness (6%)
    Common Side Effects for

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

    •Headache
    •Low appetite
    •Stomach pain
    •Trouble sleeping

  • Warnings of Intuniv vs. Concerta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure or heart rate
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Rebound high blood pressure
    •Heart 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

  • Prices with our coupons for Intuniv vs. Concerta

    Learn more about Guanfacine er
    Learn more about Methylphenidate er

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