Adderall XR is the longer-lasting form, designed to be effective for 10-12 hours.
The most popular ADHD medications among ADDitude readers include (in alphabetical order): Adderall XR (amphetamine) Concerta (methylphenidate) Dexedrine (amphetamine)
Methylphenidate Type
Methylphenidate is the ADHD medication that has been used for the longest period of time and has the most research into its use.
Is Vyvanse or Ritalin better? Both Vyvanse and Ritalin have been proven effective in treating ADHD. Studies show that Vyvanse may show a greater improvement in symptomatology, but Ritalin is more cost-effective and leads to a lower rate of side effects.
In terms of non-stimulant medications, ADHD specialists recommend using atomoxetine as a first-choice medication for children and adults, followed by guanfacine or clonidine for children, and bupropion or nortriptyline for adults.
Vyvanse doesn't work for everyone. Adderall XR, Concerta, Intuniv, Ritalin, and Strattera are some Vyvanse alternatives.
Discover Qelbree. The first non-stimulant approved for ADHD in over a decade.
Concerta is a brand of methylphenidate, one of the most common and well-studied medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Concerta is an extended-release formula, which means that it stays in the body longer and requires fewer daily doses.
ADHD medication can be taken for months, years, or even a lifetime. Research shows that long-term use of ADHD meds is safe.
ADHD Medication Summary
Concerta and Ritalin share the same active ingredient. However, Ritalin is a short-acting stimulant that boosts focus and attention quickly. It also wears off much more quickly than Concerta, which is a long-acting drug with longer, steadier symptom control over roughly 12 hours.
Nonstimulant medications for ADHD are an alternative for people who prefer not to take a stimulant. They also are another line of treatment if stimulants don't work or cause intolerable side effects. There are three nonstimulant medications approved to treat symptoms of ADHD: atomoxetine (Strattera)
The duration of effects of Vyvanse range between 10-14 hours.
Methylphenidate extended release: (Concerta): 8-12 hours.
Ephedrine is the most potent thermogenic of the Ephedra alkaloids. It is a mixed sympathomimetic agent which acts as a CNS stimulant by enhancing the release of noradrenaline from sympathetic neurones and stimulating α and β receptors.
Daytrana, Adderall XR, Strattera, Kapvay, and Intuniv are some Concerta alternatives.
Is Concerta or Adderall better? Concerta and Adderall are both effective ADHD medications. Some studies suggest that Concerta is better for children and adolescents while Adderall is better for adults. Concerta may also be preferred for its once-daily dosing.
Both medications are effective in improving the symptoms of ADHD. Stimulants like Vyvanse are the most common drug for treating ADHD. However, nonstimulant medications such as Strattera may be a better option for some people, especially those who are not able to tolerate stimulants.
The AAP's gold standard treatment for kids with ADHD is a behavior therapy called "parent training in behavior management" (PTBM). A new study reports that most preschoolers diagnosed with ADHD aren't getting care in the form of parent training in behavior management (PTBM).
Medications for ADHD
There are only two stimulant medications, methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Ritalin, Concerta and other formulations) and amphetamine (the active ingredient in Adderall, Vyvanse and other formulations).
ADHD often occurs with other disorders. Many children with ADHD have other disorders as well as ADHD, such as behavior or conduct problems, learning disorders, anxiety and depression1,2.
Earlier studies that compared other stimulant drugs with the active ingredient in Vyvanse found that it's about equally effective. A 2013 analysis of children and teens found the active ingredient in Vyvanse to be much more effective at relieving ADHD symptoms than the active ingredient in Ritalin.
A single 30-day supply of 70 mg capsules (the highest dose) costs $460.55 or about $15 per pill. Vyvanse is a long-term treatment, so uninsured patients can expect to spend $5,500 or more over the course of a year. For people with health insurance, the copay cost of Vyvanse can vary widely.
Protein: “It has the potential to boost the same brain chemicals that Vyvanse is boosting. The protein won't have an effect on the drug, but it augments the effects of the medication,” says Dr. Lieberman.