You finally got the nerve to look into ADHD treatment, only to be completely overwhelmed by all the options. If you are comparing ADHD treatment for adults, then you've come across two of the most commonly prescribed medications: Concerta vs Adderall.  Both of the medications are effective for treating ADHD in adults, but how do you go about choosing an ADHD medication?

This article will be an ADHD medication comparison guide. We’re going to break down the differences between Concerta vs Adderall for adults into easy-to-digest "real-life" information that can help you decide which one might fit your lifestyle best.

Let’s break it down so you can learn more about some of the practical differences between Concerta vs Adderall.

Understanding What Concerta and Adderall Actually Are

We will look at Concerta vs Adderall and how they help people with ADHD.

What Is Concerta?

Concerta is an extended-release form of the stimulant methylphenidate. It has a specialized technology that allows it to release slowly into the body, providing all-day symptom relief for ADHD with one dose. Concerta is usually taken early in the morning, providing steady symptom control for 10–12 hours.

Concerta works by adjusting dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. By increasing these two neurotransmitters, Concerta can help improve your focus, attention, and impulse control throughout the day.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a mixed amphetamine salt stimulant medication. Adderall is offered in two forms: immediate and extended-release. The immediate-release tablet begins working quickly in the body within 30 minutes and lasts between 4 and 6 hours. Most people take more than one dose of Adderall IR to help manage symptoms, depending on their individual schedules.

The extended-release version can start working after 30 minutes, then slowly releases into the body, providing up to 12 hours of symptom control. Adderall XR is designed to be taken once a day.

The Main Differences Between Concerta and Adderall

Let's compare Concerta vs Adderall to understand how their practical differences in managing focus, concentration, and daily life can help you make an informed choice.

How Long Each Medication Lasts

When comparing Concerta vs Adderall duration.

Concerta

Concerta lasts about 12 hours because it releases slowly and gradually into your body, providing coverage all day. The maximum peak effects should kick in around 6 to 8 hours. 

The length of time you will feel the effects of Concerta varies depending on your body and metabolism, but these are average time frames you can use to determine when to take your dose.

Adderall XR

Adderall extended-release usually lasts from 8 to 12 hours in the body, giving you a full day's worth of relief. Maximum effects usually kick in between 4 and 7 hours after you take it. 

Everyone will experience different durations of effects depending on factors such as metabolism, dose, tolerance, and even age. Once you take Adderall XR a few times, you'll see how long it lasts in your body, and then you'll be able to better pinpoint the best time to take your dose to fit your schedule.

Adderall IR

Adderall immediate-release lasts in your body about 4 to 6 hours after you take it. The peak effects usually start between 1 and 3 hours. 

Adderall IR is good for when people want more control over when they have symptom relief. Some people take it 2–3 times per day to get all-day relief. 

How Quickly They Start Working

Concerta

People can typically start to notice the effects of Concerta after 30 minutes to an hour. You will want to take your dose about an hour before you want to experience the benefits. You may start to notice that you can focus and concentrate better after an hour, while it slowly releases into your body throughout the rest of the day.

Adderall XR

Adderall XR can start working in just half an hour. This faster onset is because it contains both immediate-release and extended-release beads, and the immediate-release starts to work as soon as it is absorbed into your body. 

You may feel improved attention within 30 minutes after taking the medication. Noticeable effects typically occur within one hour, as half of the medication acts quickly and the rest is released gradually. Full effects are usually experienced within 1 to 2 hours.

Adderall IR

Immediate-release Adderall also starts to kick in rapidly at around 30 minutes. You may start to notice that you can focus on something better shortly after you take it, but with full effects at an hour.

Depending on your job or your lifestyle, how quickly medication starts working could be a concern, especially if you have a high-energy job. Because Adderall IR works quickly, if you are comparing methylphenidate vs amphetamine for the quickest onset of effects, you would choose Adderall IR.

How They Affect Focus and Concentration Differently

When comparing Concerta vs Adderall, which is better for managing focus and concentration, there are a couple of key differences. Both medicines significantly improve focus and concentration, but they may feel different due to their different mechanisms of action. 

Some studies have found that Concerta improved levels of distractibility and visual memory more effectively than Adderall XR.

However, most studies have found that there is no conclusive evidence supporting that either amphetamine is greater than methylphenidate or vice versa for treating ADHD symptoms, such as focus or concentration.

Some people respond better to methylphenidate-based drugs like Concerta, and others respond better to amphetamine-based drugs like Adderall. 

Individual responses vary, and you may need to try both. When comparing Concerta vs Adderall for effectiveness, neither drug is "better" than the other; they are just different.

Dosing Schedules and Convenience

Concerta

Concerta is taken once a day in the morning, either with or without food. You and your healthcare provider will determine your dosing schedule. Be sure to take your medication early enough for it to work when needed and last through your daily activities.

Unlike Ritalin, which must be taken multiple times per day for all-day relief, Concerta is available in a convenient once-a-day dose. You will not have to worry about taking your next scheduled doses during the day or needing to remember to take your medication wherever you go.

Adderall

Adderall XR is similar to Concerta in that you take it once a day in the morning for convenient once-a-day dosing. In this way, you avoid taking a midday dose while you are at work or out and about running errands.

Adderall IR is taken two to three times per day for all-day symptom relief. So you will need to take this medication with you if you are going to be out of the house during your dose times.

If you are comparing Concerta vs Adderall dosage, both Concerta and Adderall XR offer a once-a-day dosing option for those who find it difficult to take multiple doses per day.

Comparing Side Effects: What You Might Experience

Let’s look at Concerta vs Adderall side effects.

Both medications share similar side effect profiles because they work similarly in the body. Most side effects are temporary and tend to settle down after taking the medication for a while. 

It's essential to discuss all side effects with your provider so they can assist you in transitioning to a different medication if necessary.

Common Side Effects Both Medications Share

Both Concerta vs Adderall XR share similar side effects. Let's take a look at some of the possible side effects of both medications. These include:

• Increased heart rate
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or stomach issues
• Mood changes or irritability
• Increase in blood pressure
• Difficulty sleeping

These are common side effects associated with all stimulant drugs. Many of these side effects do go away after you have been taking the medicine for a while and your body gets used to it. 

Ways to Manage Side Effects

There are ways to mitigate some of the side effects if they do occur. For example, if you experience sleep problems, try taking your dose a little bit earlier in the morning, or you could ask your provider to switch you to an immediate-release version so that you can control the length of effects better.

If you experience stomach upset, you could take the medication with food or eat smaller meals. If you feel dizzy or have headaches, you can try drinking more water. Staying hydrated while on these medicines can help reduce some of the side effects.

If any side effects last for too long, or you just don't want to deal with them anymore, speak to your clinician, and they can try you on a different drug, which may have fewer unwanted side effects.

Side Effects More Common with Adderall

While individual responses vary drastically, there are some side effects reported more frequently by users of Adderall vs Concerta. 

Adderall, especially the IR version, may come with more "highs and lows" than Concerta, according to some threads about Concerta vs Adderall on Reddit. Some users report more depression, manic episodes, and hallucinations with Adderall vs Concerta.

While these are some people's experiences, medication side effects vary from person to person.

Side Effects More Common with Concerta

More reports of tics have been mentioned by Concerta users. People who have motor tics are typically advised against taking either Adderall or Concerta because of the increased risk of worsening tics associated with them.

According to users on Drugs.com, 17% of Concerta users reported anxiety as a side effect, while only 8.6% of Adderall users reported anxiety. More users of Concerta also reported loss of appetite than Adderall users.

The main reason why Concerta could have different side effects than Adderall is due to the way that the medicine works in the brain and nervous system. Many adults tolerate Concerta, and it will ultimately depend on how your body responds as to which one, Concerta vs Adderall, has fewer side effects for you.

Effectiveness: Which One Works Better?

So the big question is which one works better: Concerta vs Adderall? Better is subjective, and even most larger studies have not been able to really differentiate which one is "better." It will depend on how your body responds to each medication to find out which one is better for you.

Why Some People Do Better on One vs. the Other

There are some reasons one person might do better with Adderall vs Concerta for focus, or vice versa. Body chemistry, metabolism, age, and even diet can all contribute to how well a stimulant works in the body. 

It's normal for a provider to start someone on Adderall only to switch to Concerta and find that they tolerate it much better, or the other way around.  Trial and error is a common part of ADHD treatment, and medical providers know this. 

They may prefer a specific medication for patients, but they recognize that responses can vary widely among individuals. Switching ADHD medication is normal, and you may try a couple before you find the right fit for you, and that's perfectly normal.

Cost & Insurance Coverage Differences Between Concerta and Adderall

The Concerta vs Adderall cost can vary greatly depending on your insurance provider, what pharmacy you use, and the availability of generic options. In general, generic Concerta and generic Adderall are much cheaper than their brand-name counterparts.

Without insurance, generic Concerta tends to cost $50 to $450 a month, while brand-name Concerta costs around $450 to $650.

Generic Adderall XR is anywhere from $50 to $250 per month, while brand-name Adderall XR is anywhere between $400 and $750.

Generic Adderall IR can cost as low as $15 to $125 a month, while the brand-name version costs around $400, making generic Adderall IR the cheapest option of the three.

If you do have insurance, most insurance companies will cover the generic costs of both Concerta vs Adderall, but it will depend on what is listed on your insurance brand's formulary as to what you may end up paying as a co-pay.

If you have any issues with paying for your medication, let your provider know. There are many non-profit groups and websites, such as SingleCare and GoodRx, that offer discounted prices for medications.

Availability and Medication Shortages

There have been recent drug shortages of ADHD medications that have occurred nationwide. One reason for these shortages is the DEA's production rules that limit the amount of these medications that can be produced each month. Another reason is simply manufacturing delays.

If you experience a drug shortage with your ADHD medication, discuss it with your doctor right away. They may write you a prescription for a similar ADHD stimulant that you can take. You can also look at alternative products, such as a patch or a liquid version, if they are available.

Making Your Decision: How to Choose Between Concerta and Adderall

When you are trying to decide between Concerta vs Adderall, it's a good idea to be prepared to discuss it with your provider. You want to let them know about factors like side effects, costs, and duration of effects so they can help you choose which one to start with.

Your provider will work with you to find the medication that works best for you. You may try one and end up on a different one later on down the road, and that's all just part of the treatment process.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

If you really want to have a productive conversation with your medical provider about medication options for ADHD, you should come prepared with a list of questions that you want them to answer. Let's look at a list of possible questions that you can ask your provider when you are trying to decide between Concerta vs Adderall.

• Which medication, Concerta vs Adderall, have you noticed in your practice caused less "peaks and valleys"?
• Which one is more likely to cause side effects such as ______?
• How long will it take before I start to see real symptom improvement?
• Based on my unique symptoms, which medication do you think we should start with?
• I am really afraid of missing sleep at night. Should I stick with extended-release or immediate-release Adderall?
• Which should I be more concerned about, Concerta vs Adderall for weight loss?
• How often have you helped patients switch from one medication to another?
• Based on my other medical conditions, which one do you think would be a better fit for me?
• Based on my medical history, should I consider stimulants at all, or should I opt for a non-stimulant medication first?

Starting Your ADHD Treatment Journey with ADHD Advisor

If you are ready to get started on your ADHD treatment, you can take that first step today! ADHD Advisor offers complete ADHD treatment, including therapy, medication management, and coaching, all via telehealth.

Our easy process is simple.

• First, you take our short quiz to see if you qualify for a same-day appointment with one of our licensed clinicians.
• Next, you undergo a thorough evaluation to determine your ADHD diagnosis.
• Then your clinician will create a tailored treatment plan for you that may include medications such as Concerta or Adderall. In fact, our clinicians can help you decide between Concerta vs Adderall to start with. 
• Then they will send your online prescription to the pharmacy of your choice. Check to see if stimulants are offered in your state.
• Lastly, you'll receive follow-up appointments every month. During these follow-ups, your provider will learn about symptom improvements and side effects and adjust the dosage if necessary.

With ADHD Advisor, you receive comprehensive care virtually and can schedule your appointments around your busy schedule, all from the convenience of your home! Take our short quiz to get started.

Remember that having an appointment with a provider does not guarantee a prescription; that is solely at your provider's discretion.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Now that you know a little bit about the differences between Concerta and Adderall, you are well on your way to making an informed decision about your ADHD treatment. 

Concerta and Adderall are different stimulant medications for ADHD with different active ingredients, but they do share many similarities. Concerta and Adderall XR last about 12 hours, so you get all-day relief with one pill. Adderall IR offers short, faster-acting relief that you can take multiple times a day.

One may work better for you than the other, and the only real way to find out is to get started. Your provider can start you on one medication and see how that goes, and then you can decide to switch if you need to, until you find the best medication for you. 

ADHD care is available and now, with telehealth options, more convenient than ever. Do not continue to suffer from losing important things and missing meetings any longer. Take control of your ADHD. You can get started today with ADHD Advisor by taking our short quiz.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Concerta and Adderall?

The main difference is that Concerta is methylphenidate-based and Adderall is amphetamine-based.

Which is better for ADHD, Concerta or Adderall?

Both Concerta and Adderall are effective at treating ADHD. Some people tolerate one more than the other. Individual responses will vary.

Which ADHD medication lasts longer, Concerta or Adderall?

Both Concerta and Adderall XR last up to 12 hours. Adderall IR lasts 4–6 hours.

What are the side effects of Concerta vs Adderall?

The side effects of Concerta vs Adderall are very similar. Side effects can include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Lack of appetite
• Stomach upset
• Dry mouth
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure

Can you switch from Adderall to Concerta for ADHD?

Yes, with the help of a licensed clinician, you can switch from Adderall to Concerta for ADHD safely.

How do Concerta and Adderall work differently in the brain?

Both Concerta and Adderall block the reabsorption of norepinephrine in the brain, but Adderall also blocks the reuptake of dopamine.

Is Concerta or Adderall more effective for adults?

Both Concerta and Adderall are effective for adults, and some people do better on one than the other.

Which ADHD medication is better for focus and concentration, Concerta or Adderall?

Neither is better for focus and concentration, as both are effective at managing these symptoms. It depends on how the medication works in your body.

How long does Concerta last compared to Adderall XR?

They both last an average of 12 hours.

Which ADHD medication is less likely to cause anxiety, Concerta or Adderall?

Both Concerta and Adderall can cause anxiety as they are CNS stimulants.