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Compare Kapvay vs. Adderall

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

Key takeaways

Clonidine ER (clonidine) and Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts) are both used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. However, they belong to different medication classes. Clonidine ER is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and is a non-stimulant, while Adderall is a stimulant medication. Clonidine ER is typically taken twice a day, whereas Adderall is taken once or twice a day, depending on the prescribed dose. Clonidine ER is available only as a generic, while Adderall is available as both a brand-name and a generic medication. Common side effects of clonidine ER include sleepiness and headache, while Adderall can cause trouble sleeping and loss of appetite. Both medications can interact with medications like tricyclic antidepressants and blood pressure medications, but Adderall can also interact with medications that affect serotonin levels. Additionally, Adderall is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependency, while clonidine ER is not.

  • 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

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