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Compare Intuniv vs. Ritalin

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 that lowers norepinephrine levels in the brain and is not a stimulant, making it a good option for those who can't take stimulants. It's typically taken once daily and can cause sleepiness and tiredness. Methylphenidate ER, on the other hand, is a stimulant and works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. It also has a potential for misuse and dependency, so it is a controlled substance. Methylphenidate ER can start working within 2 hours and is also taken once daily, but it may cause trouble sleeping and loss of appetite. Guanfacine ER is available as a lower-cost generic, while Methylphenidate ER comes in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids, with some brands available as generics. Guanfacine ER is only approved for children and adolescents, whereas Methylphenidate ER can be used by both children and adults.

  • Intuniv (guanfacine ER)
    Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
  • Intuniv (guanfacine ER)
    Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

  • Summary of Intuniv vs. Ritalin

    Summary for Alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Intuniv (guanfacine extended release) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in kids ages 6 to 17 years old. It's not a controlled substance and can be used instead of stimulant medications for ADHD. Intuniv (guanfacine ER) belongs to the drug class called alpha-2A agonists. It comes as a tablet that you take by mouth once a day, either in the morning or at bedtime. Common side effects include sleepiness and tiredness. Taking it in the evening might help with these side effects. Intuniv (guanfacine ER) comes as brand-name and generic versions.

    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 Intuniv vs. Ritalin

    Indications for
    •Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children ages 6 to 17 years
    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

  • Pros and Cons of Intuniv vs. Ritalin

    Pros and Const for Alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •A non-stimulant medication for ADHD
    •Can take alone or with other ADHD medications
    •Only taken once a day, either in the morning or at night
    •Not a controlled substance
    Cons
    •Can make you feel sleepy or tired
    •Might take a few weeks to start working
    •Might not work as well for teens between 13 and 17 years old
    •Not approved for adults with ADHD
    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 Intuniv vs. Ritalin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (38%)
    •Headache (23%)
    •Tiredness (14%)
    •Stomach pain (11%)
    •Low blood pressure (7%)
    •Low energy (6%)
    •Dizziness (6%)
    •Nausea (6%)
    •Low appetite (6%)
    •Feeling irritable (6%)
    Common Side Effects for

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

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

  • Warnings of Intuniv vs. Ritalin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure and low heart rate
    •Sleepiness
    •Irregular heartbeat
    •Rebound high blood pressure and other symptoms after stopping
    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 Intuniv vs. Ritalin

    Learn more about Intuniv
    Learn more about Methylphenidate

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