Concerta vs Vyvanse

Comparing Concerta and Vyvanse – which is better?

Concerta and Vyvanse are both stimulants used for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. Both medications should be taken once daily.

Concerta was approved by the FDA in 2000; while Vyvanse was released and approved by the FDA quite recently in 2007.

Concerta contains methylphenidate, a potent drug connected to amphetamines, in its active form. Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.

It is difficult to determine which is better of the two because some people respond better to Concerta, while some respond better to Vyvanse. In this article, we will discuss the basic similarities and differences between the two.

Concerta:

Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release tablets) is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It is available in four tablet strength: 18mg yellow tablets, 27mg gray tablets, 36mg white tablets, and 54mg brownish-red tablets.

Concerta uses osmotic pressure to deliver methylphenidate HCl at a controlled rate. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.

The stimulant is indicated for use in children 6 years of age and older, adolescents, and adults up to the age of 65.

Concerta should be used as a vital part of an ADHD treatment program, which includes educational, psychological, and social measures.

Vyvanse:

Vyvanse is a pro-drug that must be metabolized by the body and converted into an amphetamine, which is an active drug.

Vyvanse is available in 30mg white and orange capsules, 50mg white and blue capsules, and 70mg blue and orange capsules.

The medications must be used in children 6 years of age and older, adolescents, and adults up to the age of 65.

Side Effects:

Concerta and Vyvanse have very similar side effects, such as insomnia, dry mouth, agitation, uneven heartbeats, anger, and loss of appetite.

Not all ADHD patients who experience side effects from Concerta will experience similar side effects from Vyvanse.

You must not take Concerta or Vyvanse, if you have used an MAO inhibitor, such as rasagiline (Azilect), isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), and selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), within the past 2 weeks.

Risk of Abuse:

Both Concerta and Vyvanse are schedule II controlled substances and they have a high risk of abuse and dependence.

Unlike Concerta, Vyvanse has a low potential of being abused by inhalation, since it is not transformed into an active drug unless taken orally.

Are There Any Drug Interactions:

Concerta might interact with some drugs such as clonidine (Catapres); warfarin (Coumadin); epinephrine (EpiPen); dobutamine (Dobutrex); and antidepressants.

Vyvanse might interact with drugs such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C); K-Phos; ammonium chloride; lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); blood pressure medications; and stomach acid reducers.

Before taking Concerta or Vyvanse, you must tell your health care practitioner about all other medicines you use.

Concerta must be swallowed whole. It can't be chewed or crushed and so it can be a trouble for children who can't swallow pills. Vyvanse can be opened and sprinkled on food, if your child can't swallow pills.

For more information, read our articles Adderall vs Concerta, Ritalin vs Concerta, Adderall vs Vyvanse, and Adderall vs Strattera.