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.
