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Compare Ritalin vs. Kapvay

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

Key takeaways

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and clonidine ER (Kapvay) are both used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but they work differently and have different side effects. Methylphenidate is a stimulant that increases levels of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain, while clonidine ER is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that works in the brain, but how it works to manage ADHD is unknown. Methylphenidate is a controlled substance with a risk of misuse and dependency, whereas clonidine ER is not a controlled substance and doesn't carry the risk for potential abuse. Methylphenidate is typically taken 2 to 3 times a day, while clonidine ER is usually taken once or twice a day. Clonidine ER can cause sedation and sleepiness, while methylphenidate has the opposite effect of causing trouble sleeping. Additionally, methylphenidate is available in various forms, including tablets and oral liquids, while clonidine ER is only available in extended-release tablets and must be swallowed whole.

  • Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
    Clonidine er (Kapvay)
  • Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
    Clonidine er (Kapvay)

  • Summary of Ritalin vs. Kapvay

    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.

    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.

  • Indications of Ritalin vs. Kapvay

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

  • Pros and Cons of Ritalin vs. Kapvay

    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
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Ritalin vs. Kapvay

    Common Side Effects for

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

    •Headache
    •Anxiety
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Weight loss
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (up to 38%)
    •Headache (up to 20%)
    •Fatigue (up to 16%)
    •Upper stomach pain (up to 15%)

  • Warnings of Ritalin vs. Kapvay

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm problems
    •Extreme sleepiness and dizziness
    •Allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Ritalin vs. Kapvay

    Learn more about Methylphenidate
    Learn more about Clonidine er

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