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Compare Vyvanse vs. Concerta

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

Key takeaways

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release) are both stimulant medications that treat ADHD. Vyvanse is also FDA approved for binge-eating disorder. Vyvanse and Concerta are different types of stimulants: Vyvanse is an amphetamine and Concerta is a methylphenidate. They’re both long-acting, or extended-release (ER), medications that are typically taken once a day. Vyvanse and Concerta have similar side effects such as low appetite and headache. And they’re both controlled substances, which means they can lead to dependence and misuse. Taking them only as prescribed can help decrease these risks.

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Methylphenidate er
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Methylphenidate er

Summary of Vyvanse vs. Concerta

Summary for Stimulant
Prescription only

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is one of the first-choice medications used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can also help treat binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is taken once per day and can start to work within a couple hours. But some common side effects include difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite. It's a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse and dependency.

Summary for Stimulant
Prescription only

Methylphenidate extended-release (ER) is a first-choice option for people with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This once-daily medication can start to work within 2 hours and can last throughout the day. Methylphenidate ER can cause difficulty sleeping and a loss of appetite. It also has a potential risk of misuse and dependency and is thus a controlled substance.

Indications of Vyvanse vs. Concerta

Indications for
•Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - adults and children age 6 years and older
•Moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder (BED) - adults only
Indications for
•Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Pros and Cons of Vyvanse vs. Concerta

Pros and Const for Stimulant
Pros
•A first-choice medication for ADHD
•Works well for binge eating disorder
•In children with ADHD, might start working within 1.5 hours and last for 13 hours
•In adults with ADHD, might start working within 2 hours and last for 14 hours
•If you have trouble swallowing pills, you can open the capsules and sprinkle contents onto certain foods, or switch to chewable tablets.
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 the best choice for pregnant or breastfeeding females or people with heart conditions
Pros and Const for Stimulant
Pros
•First-choice medication for ADHD
•Taken only once per day
•Available in many different forms (e.g., pills, chewable tablet, liquid)
•Some brands available in lower-cost generic form
•Can be prescribed for children as young as 6 years old
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 bothersome side effects like distress and trouble sleeping
•Not the best choice for pregnant or breastfeeding females or people with heart conditions
•Can interact with certain blood pressure medications and depression medications

Common Side Effects of Vyvanse vs. Concerta

Common Side Effects for

ADHD

•Poor appetite (up to 39%)
•Difficulty sleeping (up to 27%)
•Dry mouth (26% in adults)
•Stomach pain (12% in children younger than 12 years old)
•Feeling irritable (10% in children younger than 12 years old)

Binge eating disorder

•Dry mouth (36%)
•Difficulty sleeping (20%)
Common Side Effects for

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

•Headache
•Low appetite
•Stomach pain
•Trouble sleeping

Warnings of Vyvanse vs. Concerta

Common Side Effects for
•Misuse and dependence
•Serious heart problems
•Changes in behavior or thoughts
•Slowed growth in children
•Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
•Serotonin syndrome
•Drug interactions
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

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