Concerta vs. Vyvanse: Differences & Similarities

Concerta and Vyvanse are two common medications used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). They help people focus, manage their time, and control impulsive behavior.

While both medications are effective, they have differences that might make one a better choice for some people. Understanding these differences can help in choosing the right treatment. This guide to Concerta vs Vyvanse explores the differences and similarities and shows you how to get compassionate and effective treatment for prescription medications.

 

What Is Concerta?

Concerta is a medication used to treat ADHD. Its main ingredient is methylphenidate, which helps increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in people with ADHD. Concerta is a long-acting medication, meaning it works throughout the day with just one dose. This makes it easier for people who don’t want to take pills multiple times a day.

 

What Is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is another medication used to treat ADHD. Its active ingredient is lisdexamfetamine, which the body changes into another stimulant called dextroamphetamine. Like Concerta, Vyvanse helps people with ADHD focus better and control their behavior. It is also long-acting, so one dose lasts most of the day. Vyvanse can also be used to treat binge eating disorder.

 

Is Vyvanse Methylphenidate

Vyvanse is not methylphenidate. While both are stimulants used to treat ADHD, the main difference between Vyvanse and Concerta is that they have different active ingredients. Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine, which turns into dextroamphetamine in the body. Methylphenidate, found in Concerta, is a different type of stimulant. Even though they work in similar ways to help with ADHD symptoms, their chemical structures are different.

 

Alternatives to Vyvanse

Those looking for a Vyvanse alternative for treating ADHD have several options. These alternatives include other stimulant medications and non-stimulant options. It may take time to find a medication that works, as everyone’s body reacts differently.

• Adderall: Adderall is a stimulant that contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It helps increase focus and control behavior, much like Vyvanse. Adderall comes in both short-acting and long-acting forms.

• Ritalin: Ritalin, like Concerta, contains methylphenidate. It helps improve attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Ritalin is available in short-acting and long-acting versions.

• Focalin: Focalin’s active ingredient is dexmethylphenidate, which is similar to methylphenidate. It helps treat ADHD symptoms by improving focus and behavior control. Focalin comes in both short-acting and extended-release forms.

• Strattera: Strattera is a non-stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. Its active ingredient is atomoxetine. Strattera works differently from stimulants but still helps improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

• Intuniv: Intuniv is another non-stimulant option. Its active ingredient is guanfacine. Intuniv helps with ADHD symptom in children or teens who cannot tolerate stimulants, particularly in improving impulse control and attention.

 

These alternatives provide different options for people with ADHD, allowing doctors to find the best treatment plan for each person.

 

Focalin vs Vyvanse

Focalin and Vyvanse are both medications used to treat ADHD, but they have different active ingredients and work in slightly different ways.

• Active ingredient: Focalin’s active ingredient is dexmethylphenidate. This is a form of methylphenidate, which helps increase attention and decrease impulsive behavior. Vyvanse’s active ingredient is lisdexamfetamine, which the body converts into dextroamphetamine. This stimulant helps with focus and behavior control.

• How they work: Focalin works quickly, and its effects can last for a few hours. There is also an extended-release form that lasts longer throughout the day. Vyvanse is a long-acting medication. It works for most of the day with just one dose in the morning.

• Forms: Focalin is available in both short-acting and extended-release forms. This means you can take it more than once a day or just once, depending on the form. Vyvanse comes in a long-acting form, so you only need to take it once a day.

• Use: Both medications help with ADHD symptoms, but Vyvanse can also be used to treat binge eating disorder.

 

Choosing between Focalin and Vyvanse depends on how a person’s body reacts to the medication and how long they need the medication to work each day.

 

Lisdexamfetamine vs Vyvanse

Lisdexamfetamine is the active ingredient in Vyvanse. Understanding how it works helps explain why Vyvanse is effective for treating ADHD and binge eating disorder.

Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug. This means it is inactive until the body processes it. Once taken, the body converts it into dextroamphetamine, which is an active stimulant. After conversion to dextroamphetamine, it helps increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. These chemicals – dopamine and norepinephrine – are important for focus, attention, and controlling impulses.

Since lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug, it has a smoother effect and less potential for misuse. The body needs time to convert it, which makes the medication’s effect more gradual. Vyvanse, which contains lisdexamfetamine, is used to treat ADHD in children and adults. It is also approved for treating moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults.

 

Similarities of Vyvanse and Concerta

Vyvanse and Concerta have many similarities that make them effective for helping people manage their symptoms.

• Purpose: Both Vyvanse and Concerta are used to help people with ADHD focus better, stay organized, and control impulsive behavior.

• Type of medication: Both are stimulant medications. Stimulants help increase certain chemicals in the brain that improve attention and focus.

• Long-acting: Vyvanse and Concerta are both long-acting medications. This means they work throughout the day with just one dose. This is helpful for people who prefer not to take multiple doses.

• Similar side effects: Both medications can cause similar side effects, such as decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and stomachaches. Talk to a doctor if any side effects are troublesome.

 

Differences Between Concerta Versus Vyvanse

While Vyvanse and Concerta have similarities, they also have differences that might make one a better choice for some people.

• Active ingredients: Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine, which the body converts to dextroamphetamine. Concerta contains methylphenidate, the same ingredient found in Ritalin but in a long-acting form.

• Release mechanism: Vyvanse is a prodrug, meaning it is inactive until the body processes it, leading to a smoother effect. Concerta uses a special delivery system that releases the medication steadily throughout the day.

• Uses: Vyvanse can be used to treat ADHD and binge eating disorder. Concerta is only used to treat ADHD.

• Forms available: Vyvanse comes in capsules and chewable tablets, which can be easier for some people to take. Concerta is available in tablet form and should not be chewed or crushed.

• Age range: Vyvanse is approved for use in children aged 6 and older and adults. Concerta is approved for use in people aged 6 to 65 years.

 

Becoming aware of these similarities and differences can help in choosing between Vyvanse vs Concerta based on individual needs and how the body reacts to the medication.

 

Benefits

Both Vyvanse and Concerta offer important benefits for people with ADHD.

• Improved focus: Vyvanse and Concerta help people with ADHD concentrate better. This makes it easier to complete tasks and stay on track.

• Better organization: These medications can help improve time management and organizational skills. This is useful for both school and work activities.

• Impulse control: Vyvanse and Concerta help reduce impulsive behaviors, making it easier to think before acting.

• Convenience: Both medications are long-acting, meaning you only need to take them once a day. This helps maintain steady symptom control throughout the day.

• Different forms: Vyvanse is available in capsules and chewable tablets, while Concerta comes in a tablet form. This offers options based on personal preference and ease of use.

 

Risks

Like all medications, Vyvanse and Concerta come with risks and potential side effects.

• Common side effects: Both medications can cause side effects such as decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, stomach aches, and headaches. Talk to a doctor if these occur.

• Heart concerns: Stimulants can increase heart rate and blood pressure. People with heart problems need to be careful and should consult a doctor before taking these medications.

• Mental health: Some people may experience increased anxiety, irritability, or mood changes. Monitor any changes in mental health and discuss them with a doctor.

• Growth: Children taking these medications might experience slower growth. Doctors will monitor height and weight to manage this risk.

• Dependence: There is a risk of dependence or misuse with stimulant medications – they are Schedule II controlled substances. It’s important to take them exactly as prescribed by a doctor.

Efficacy

Both Vyvanse and Concerta are effective treatments for ADHD, but their effectiveness can vary from person to person.

• Symptom control: Research shows that both medications are highly effective in controlling ADHD symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.

• Duration: Both medications are long-acting, providing symptom relief throughout the day with a single dose. Vyvanse typically lasts about 10 to 12 hours, while Concerta lasts around 12 hours as well.

• Individual response: The effectiveness can depend on how each person’s body processes the medication. Some people may respond better to Vyvanse, while others find Concerta more effective.

• Clinical studies: Clinical trials have demonstrated that both Vyvanse and Concerta significantly improve ADHD symptoms in both children and adults.

• Consistency: Both medications provide consistent symptom control when taken as directed. This helps improve daily functioning at school, work, and in social settings.

 

Side Effects

Both Vyvanse and Concerta can cause side effects – talk to your doctor if they happen.

Common side effects may include:

• Vyvanse: Some people may have a dry mouth, trouble sleeping, or feel jittery. They might also have a reduced appetite, feel anxious, or notice an increased heart rate.

• Concerta: Common side effects include headaches, stomach aches, trouble sleeping, and feeling dizzy. People might also have a reduced appetite, dry mouth, or feel more irritable.

 

Serious side effects include:

• Vyvanse: Serious side effects can include heart problems, like chest pain or a fast heartbeat. Abusing stimulants can also cause or worsen mental health problems, like anxiety or depression.

• Concerta: Serious side effects can include painful erections, heart problems, and new or worse mental health issues, like seeing things that are not real (hallucinations).

 

Growth in children:

Both medications can sometimes slow growth in children. Doctors will watch a child’s height and weight to make sure they are growing properly.

 

Tics:

• Vyvanse: About 2% of people might develop tics, which are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds.

• Concerta: Not recommended for people with tics or Tourette syndrome.

 

If side effects are serious or do not go away, talk to a doctor. They might change the dose or try a different medication. Knowing the side effects helps you and your doctor choose the best medication and manage any problems that come up.

 

Which One Is Better for ADHD?

Choosing the right medication for ADHD depends on the person. Vyvanse and Concerta are both good options, but one might work better for you than the other.

• Individual response: People’s bodies react differently to medications. Some might find Vyvanse more helpful, while others do better with Concerta.

• Duration: Both are long-acting medications. Vyvanse and Concerta each last about 12 hours, helping with ADHD symptoms throughout the day.

• Side effects: The side effects can be different for each person. One person might have fewer side effects with Vyvanse, while another might have fewer with Concerta.

 

Talking to a doctor about how you feel on the medication can help find which one is best for you.

 

Is Vyvanse Better Than Concerta?

It’s hard to say if Vyvanse is better than Concerta because it depends on the individual.

• Effectiveness: Both Vyvanse and Concerta are effective in treating ADHD. The best one for you is the one that works well with your body.

• Side effects: Some people might have fewer side effects with Vyvanse, while others might have fewer with Concerta – this varies from person to person.

• Form: Vyvanse comes in capsules and chewable tablets, which might be easier for some people to take. Concerta comes in tablet form only.

• Other benefits: Vyvanse also helps with binge eating disorder.

 

Comparing Concerta 54mg to Vyvanse

Comparing Concerta 54mg to Vyvanse helps understand the differences in how they work and their effects.

• Dosage: Concerta comes in different strengths, with 54mg being a common dose. Vyvanse also has different strengths, and the right dose depends on the individual’s needs.

• How they work: Concerta 54mg provides a steady release of medication throughout the day. Vyvanse, once converted in the body, also works throughout the day with a smooth effect.

• Effectiveness: Both medications are effective for ADHD. The choice between them depends on how each one affects you and how well it controls your symptoms.

• Side effects: Both can have side effects like decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, and stomachaches. The specific side effects and their severity can vary.

 

Discussing with your doctor can help determine which medication and dosage are best for you.

 

How To Know if Your Concerta or Vyvanse Is Working

It’s essential to know if your medication is working to manage ADHD symptoms effectively. Here’s what to look for:

• Improved focus: You might find it easier to pay attention and stay on task. Schoolwork or job tasks might become easier to complete.

• Better behavior control: You might notice fewer impulsive actions and better control over your behavior. This can help with relationships and daily activities.

• Organization: Improved time management and organizational skills are signs that the medication is working. You might find it easier to keep track of tasks and responsibilities.

• Feedback from others: Teachers, parents, or coworkers might notice positive changes in your focus and behavior. Their observations can be helpful in assessing the medication’s effectiveness.

 

If you don’t notice these improvements or experience bothersome side effects, talk to your doctor. Adjustments to the dosage or trying a different medication might be necessary.

Get Treated in a Luxurious, Science-Backed Addiction Treatment Program at Gratitude Lodge

If you or someone you care about has been abusing a prescription drug like Concerta or Vyvanse, we can help you get back on track at Gratitude Lodge. We treat all types of addictions and mental health conditions at our luxury rehabs in Newport Beach and Long Beach, California.

You will begin your recovery with supervised medical detox and a tapered reduction in dosage. This will reduce withdrawal symptoms, streamline the process, and prepare you for immersive inpatient treatment.

Every stimulant addiction is different, so you can expect to engage with a personalized range of therapies. These may include:

• Counseling
• Family therapy
• Talk therapy
• Motivational therapy
• Group therapy
• Holistic therapies
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Aftercare

 

For immediate help tackling stimulant addiction, call 800-994-2184.