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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)

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methylphenidate ER

 

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Summary for Vyvanse

Prescription only

Vyvanse, the brand name for lisdexamfetamine, is a stimulant medication. It's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years and older. It can also treat binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) comes as capsules and chewable tablets. It's taken once per day in the morning. The dosage starts low and gets adjusted based on how you respond to the medication. Common side effects include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse and dependency.

Indications for Vyvanse

Pros and Cons for Vyvanse

Pros

  • A first-choice ADHD medication
  • Can help with ADHD for up to 14 hours with each dose
  • For binge eating disorder, can lower the number of binge-eating days per week by about one and a half days
  • Has a few options for people who have trouble swallowing pills whole (open the capsule 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
  • Might need to take gradually lower doses before stopping to avoid withdrawal symptoms
  • Not the best choice for people with heart conditions

Common Side Effects for Vyvanse

ADHD

Binge eating disorder

  • Dry mouth (36%)
  • Trouble sleeping (20%)

Warnings for Vyvanse

  • Risk of misuse and addiction
  • Risks to people with serious heart problems
  • Higher blood pressure and faster heart rate
  • Strange thoughts or behavior
  • Slow growth in children
  • Problems with blood flow in the arms and legs, including Raynaud's phenomenon
  • Serotonin syndrome

Summary for Concerta

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 for Concerta

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Pros and Cons for Concerta

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 for Concerta

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

Warnings for Concerta

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Vyvanse vs. Concerta

Price Card Drug Icon
Lisdexamfetamine30 capsules / 30mg
$67.96$389.37
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Methylphenidate ER30 tablets / 36mg
$35.74$359.60
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