What's the Difference Between Concerta vs Vyvanse?

Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can help with symptoms, and central nervous system (CNS) stimulants are known as both one of the most effective and most frequently used treatments for ADHD. In fact, they can reduce symptoms of ADHD by 70-80% in children and adolescents.

Concerta and Vyvanse are common medications prescribed to treat ADHD (very similar to Adderall, Strattera, and Ritalin) by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine chemicals in the brain. In this article, we’ll break down what each medication is, which is more effective, discuss the potential side effects, and more.

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What Is Concerta?

Concerta is a prescription drug that is used to treat ADHD in those aged 6 to 65. It is one of the various central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medications in the healthcare market. Concerta gained approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ADHD in the year 2000, and it is considered a research-backed treatment for ADHD. It is considered a long-acting controlled substance (schedule II drug) and is available in both brand name and generic form.

Read more about the differences between Concerta and Ritalin.

What Is Vyvanse?

Similar to Concerta, Vyvanse is a prescription medication manufactured by Shire Pharmaceuticals that is used to treat ADHD in those aged 6 to 65. Unlike Concerta, however, Vyvanse is sometimes prescribed off-label for binge eating disorder (BED). It is also a CNS stimulant containing dextroamphetamine, and it is considered a controlled substance (also a schedule II drug). Vyvanse was approved by the FDA in 2007. Discover the differences between Adderall vs. Vyvanse.

Concerta vs Vyvanse

As you can see in the chart below, while Concerta and Vyvanse share some similarities, there are also notable differences between the two.

The dose of either medication that your child is prescribed may depend on factors such as their age and weight. Often, a physician will start a medication at a lower dose and increase the dose if needed over time. It is not abnormal for trial and error to occur when working to establish the proper care plan, and some people need to try more than one med to find what works.

Which is More Effective?

Is Concerta or Vyvanse more effective? Though both ADHD medications can be effective in the treatment of ADHD symptoms, some research does show a possible preference for one over the other.

More specifically, two studies found Vyvanse to be slightly more effective than Concerta. In the first study, participants who took Vyvanse experienced a 25.4 point reduction in ADHD symptoms, whereas those who took Concerta displayed a 22.1 point reduction. In the next, participants who took Vyvanse experienced a mean 25.6 point reduction in ADHD symptoms, whereas those who took Concerta experienced a mean point reduction of 23.5.

In short, both medications can reduce ADHD symptoms (such as impulsiveness), but some individuals may have a preference for one over the other. Based on these studies, which consisted of individuals between the ages of 13 and 17 who live with ADHD, Vyvanse may be seen as more effective than Concerta, even if marginally.

Both Concerta and Vyvanse can be used alongside other forms of treatment and support, including but not limited to behavior therapy, games and apps designed for those who live with ADHD, parent training, and individualized education plans (IEPs).

Cost

Cost can be an important factor when it comes to medication options. While prices may vary based on a number of factors, here’s what we know:

Concerta

The average cost of Concerta without the application of health insurance is estimated at $545.00 for a 30-day supply of 54 mg tablets (a little over $18.00 per tablet).

Vyvanse

The average cost of Vyvanse without the application of health insurance is estimated at $460.55 for a 30-day supply of 70 mg capsules (around $15.00 per capsule).

What if you notice a different price tag when you pick up your medication? Dosage can factor into the cost of medication, as can the pharmacy you go to and the health insurance plan you have. If you aren’t able to cover the cost of your medication, you may be able to find manufacturer coupons, plans, and other resources that can help. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your options, or contact the manufacturer.

Side Effects

All central nervous system stimulants come with potential side effects, many of which are similar or the same. The prescribing information lists the following as some of the common side effects associated with Concerta and Vyvanse.

Concerta

Side effects of Concerta may include:

• Upper abdominal or stomach pain
• Loss of or decrease in appetite resulting in weight loss
• Excessive sweating
• Dizziness
• Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
• An increase in blood pressure
• Heart palpitations or increased heart rate
• Fever
• Headaches
• Decrease in weight
• Dry mouth
• Irritability, anxiety, or nervousness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Cough
• Concerta crash (it's a thing)

Vyvanse

Side effects of Vyvanse may include:

• Upper abdominal or stomach pain
• Loss of or decrease in appetite resulting in weight loss
• Excessive sweating
• Dizziness
• Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
• An increase in blood pressure
• Heart palpitations or increased heart rate
• Fever
• Headaches
• Decrease in weight
• Dry mouth
• Irritability, anxiety, or nervousness
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Rarely, allergic or more serious effects may occur. If you notice signs of an allergic reaction or anything else that raises concern when taking Concerta, Vyvanse or any other medication, make sure that you seek appropriate medical advice and care. Read more about a review of Vyvanse vs. Ritalin.

Drug Interactions and Warnings

Drug interactions can occur with both of these medications, and both medications come with warnings.

Concerta

Risks associated with Concerta may include:

• A slowed growth rate in children.
• Am increased risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with serotonergic agents (such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or triptans).
• Exacerbation of symptoms of behavior disturbance and psychosis in those with a pre-existing psychotic disorder.
• Cardiovascular problems.
• Medication interactions.
• Dependency or misuse.

There are 184 known possible medication interactions that can occur with Concerta.

Vyvanse

Risks associated with Vyvanse may include:

• A slowed growth rate in children.
• Am increased risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with serotonergic agents (such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or triptans).
• Exacerbation of symptoms of behavior disturbance and psychosis in those with a pre-existing psychotic disorder.
• Cardiovascular problems.
• Medication interactions.
• Dependency or misuse.

There are 335 known possible medication interactions that may occur with Vyvanse.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants should not be taken with or within 14 days of taking either Concerta or Vyvanse. If your child takes other medications or supplements, it is important that you discuss potential medication interactions with your doctor.

To control for risks such as cardiovascular problems associated with Concerta, your doctor will monitor your child appropriately. If you are an adult who takes these medications, medical monitoring should also occur.

Make sure to tell your child’s doctor about any other medical or mental health conditions and concerns they have. These may include but are not limited to seizures, cardiovascular disease or hypertension, bipolar disorder, tics, and psychosis.

When a doctor prescribes medication, it is because the benefit outweighs the risks. The correct medication can improve a person’s quality of life and functioning, and this is certainly true for individuals who live with ADHD.

Takeaway

Concerta and Vyvanse are both FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD symptoms, and research shows that both can be effective. However, some research shows that Vyvanse may reduce ADHD symptoms slightly more than Concerta.

This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice. Please consult with your or your child's prescribing doctor before changing, starting, or stopping a medication routine.