Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Kapvay vs. Adderall

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

  • Clonidine er (Kapvay)
    Adderall
  • Clonidine er (Kapvay)
    Adderall

  • Summary of Kapvay vs. Adderall

    Summary for Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist
    Prescription only

    Extended-release clonidine (Kapvay) is an alpha-2 agonist. It's a non-stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. Clonidine ER (Kapvay) is taken by mouth, typically twice per day. Some of the more common side effects include sleepiness and headache. This medication rarely causes insomnia (trouble sleeping), and isn't known to cause weight gain. Brand name Kapvay has been discontinued; clonidine ER (Kapvay) is only available as a generic medication.

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Adderall is a stimulant medication that's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in adults and children. It contains the instant-release (IR) forms of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. Adderall is available as a brand-name and lower-cost generic tablet that's taken by mouth. Your psychiatrist will adjust the dosage for you based on how well the medication works for you. Common side effects include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite.

  • Indications of Kapvay vs. Adderall

    Indications for
    •Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people ages 6 years and older
    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

  • Pros and Cons of Kapvay vs. Adderall

    Pros and Const for Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •A non-stimulant option for ADHD
    •Can be taken by children ages 6 years and older
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for ADHD
    •Need to take twice daily
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •First-choice option for ADHD in children and adults
    •Starts working within an hour after taking
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can use together with behavioral counseling or other non-medication therapies to treat ADHD
    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 side effects and withdrawal symptoms
    •Not available as a liquid or patch form (unlike methylphenidate (Ritalin))

  • Common Side Effects of Kapvay vs. Adderall

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (up to 38%)
    •Headache (up to 20%)
    •Fatigue (up to 16%)
    •Upper stomach pain (up to 15%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upset stomach
    •Lower appetite
    •Weight loss
    •Nervousness
    •Changes in mood
    •Trouble sleeping

  • Warnings of Kapvay vs. Adderall

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm problems
    •Extreme sleepiness and dizziness
    •Allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Misuse and addiction
    •Dependence and withdrawal
    •Serious heart problems
    •Aggressive behavior and psychosis
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drug interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Kapvay vs. Adderall

    Learn more about Clonidine er
    Learn more about Adderall

Compare other ADHD drugs

Focalin vs KapvayKapvay vs AdderallKapvay vs DesoxynKapvay vs DexedrineRitalin vs KapvayVyvanse vs KapvayAdderall vs ConcertaAdderall vs StratteraAdderall vs XanaxAdderall Xr vs AdderallArmodafinil vs AdderallAtivan vs AdderallAzstarys vs AdderallDaytrana vs AdderallDesoxyn vs AdderallDexedrine vs AdderallDextroamphetamine vs AdderallEvekeo vs AdderallEvekeo vs FocalinFocalin vs AdderallFocalin vs ConcertaFocalin vs DesoxynFocalin vs DexedrineFocalin vs IntunivFocalin vs ProvigilFocalin vs RitalinFocalin vs StratteraFocalin vs VyvanseGuanfacine vs AdderallIntuniv vs Adderall
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.