Last Updated: February 2025
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders among children. Treatment for ADHD often involves a combination of prescription medication (e.g., Adderall XR or Concerta tablets), behavioral therapies, education, and support. Concerta and Adderall are central nervous system stimulant ADHD medications that work by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, decreasing hyperactivity and impulsivity. Both Concerta and Adderall are brand names for generic medications. Adderall is a combination of four amphetamine salts: dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate. It is prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms and narcolepsy. It is also sometimes used to enhance athletic performance or cognitive function, to suppress appetite, or recreationally as a euphoriant. Generic Concerta is called methylphenidate. If you or a loved one is suffering from ADHD symptoms, you may wonder which is the better treatment for you: Concerta or Adderall. This article will comprehensively compare Concerta and Adderall, helping you make an informed decision.
ADHD Overview
What is ADHD?
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood but can last into adulthood. Children with ADHD are typically overactive and have difficulty concentrating and suppressing impulsivity (i.e., they fail to consider consequences).
Symptoms of ADHD
Children often have trouble focusing and may misbehave occasionally behavioral patterns they typically outgrow. However, such behaviors don’t diminish for some children but worsen with age. These symptoms can become so severe that they interfere with activities and social interactions at school and home. ADHD symptoms include
- Fidgeting
- Forgetfulness
- Frequent daydreaming
- Carelessness
- Taking unnecessary or dangerous risks, such as running into the road
- Difficulty getting along with others
Types of ADHD
ADHD is typically characterized by inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. Based on the set of presenting characteristics, it is classified as one of three types:
- Predominantly inattentive presentation, which includes difficulty finishing tasks, paying attention to details, and/ or following a conversation or instructions. Individuals with this subtype are easily distracted and frequently forget aspects of their everyday routine.
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation, which includes fidgeting, talkativeness, restlessness, and impulsivity. Individuals with this subtype often disrupt others, grab objects from people, speak at inappropriate times, have difficulty waiting in line or listening to directions, and are prone to accidents and injuries.
- Combined presentation, which includes a mix of symptoms from these two subtypes.
The mechanism of action explained: Concerta vs Adderall
How Concerta works
Concerta acts as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), stopping the reuptake of two neurotransmitters in the brain—norepinephrine and dopamine—by blocking their recycling Known as a stimulant treatment, this drug increases neurotransmitter activity, which reduces fatigue and ADHD symptoms, increases alertness, and improves attention. It is approved for use in adults and children age 6 or older.
How Adderall works
Like Concerta, Adderall works by increasing neurotransmitter activity in the brain. However, its mechanism of action is different. Although scientists do not fully understand how it works, Adderall is known to stimulate the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. Once inside cells, it disrupts a cell’s storage of monoamines and causes the transporter proteins to act in reverse, releasing the monoamines into the synaptic cleft to cause increased levels of serotonin, dopamine, histamine, and norepinephrine. Adderall is the only ADHD medication approved for use in children as young as age 3.
The effectiveness of Concerta vs Adderall
Similarities between Concerta and Adderall
Concerta and Adderall are both stimulant ADHD medications that work by increasing the activity of chemicals like dopamine and, norepinephrine, the brain, though they accomplish this through different mechanisms. They are both effective at treating ADHD and take effect a short time after ingestion. These prescription drugs are labeled as Schedule II controlled substances, as they are highly addictive but deemed safe for medical use.
Which is more effective, Concerta or Adderall?
Concerta pills have three layers and begin working as soon as one hour after the first layer has dissolved. The remaining layers dissolve gradually in the body over the next 6- to 10 hours. Immediate and extended-release Adderall tablets tend to work faster, taking effect as soon as 30 minutes after swallowing.
Concerta vs Adderall: Available forms, dosage, and administration
Concerta forms, dosage, and administration guidelines
Concerta is available as an immediate-release oral tablet or an extended-release version typically taken orally once daily. It is also available as a transdermal patch. The dose depends on user and condition severity, but Concerta is usually started on a low dose to prevent addiction. The maximum dose is 72 mg per day.
Adderall forms, dosage, and administration guidelines
Adderall is available as an oral solution or as immediate- or extended-release tablets. The extended-release form is designed to be taken once a day with breakfast. However, since its effects typically wear off by afternoon, it can be used along with immediate-release Adderall. Dosages typically range from 5 -to 40 mg daily and should not exceed 60 mg, the maximum adult dose. At medically approved doses, Adderall can cause feelings of euphoria, sex drive changes, and increased wakefulness. Therefore it has the potential for drug abuse.
Adverse effects of Concerta and Adderall
Common adverse effects of Concerta
Commonly reported mild adverse effects of Concerta include
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Increased nervousness
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, and headache
- Blurred vision
- Decreased sex drive
Severe adverse effects of Concerta
Taking Concerta can sometimes cause serious adverse effects. Seek medical attention immediately if you or your loved one taking this medication experience any of the following:
- Children who use Concerta in the long term may experience growth problems, such as decreased weight or bone marrow density and short stature
- Priapism, which is a painful erection not caused by sexual stimulation that can last for hours. Without prompt medical attention, priapism can cause complications such as tissue damage and permanent erectile dysfunction.
- Cardiovascular changes, which may manifest as high blood pressure, palpitations, and rapid heartbeat and can cause stroke, heart attack, and sudden death.
- Worsening psychosis in those suffering from this condition or new psychotic symptoms, such as mania, hypomania, hallucinations, and suicidal ideation.
- Increased nicotine dependence in cigarette smokers.
You should only take the dose recommended by your doctor, as misuse of Concerta can lead to overdose. Here are some signs of overdose to watch for:
- Euphoria
- Confusion
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Hallucinations and paranoia
- Increased convulsions
- Coma
- Shock
- Adrenergic storm
Common adverse effects of Adderall
Adderall and Concerta have similar common adverse effects. It is important to note that Adderall and Concerta are
commonly abused drugs due to their powerful euphoric effect.
Serious adverse effects of Adderall
Although safe at low doses, Adderall can cause some severe adverse effects, especially in those who use it recreationally or have other medical conditions. Most of Adderall’s severe effects are similar to those of Concerta. The following, however, are the most common serious reactions seen in Adderall users.
- Raynaud syndrome, which is characterized by reduced blood flow to the smallest blood vessels in various areas of the body and manifests as pain or numbness in the affected area
- Difficulty urinating
- Addiction, which is associated with increased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, tremors, severe agitation, and psychosis
Drug interactions of Concerta and Adderall
Before starting treatment with either of these ADHD medications, you should inform your doctor of any other prescription medication you’re taking, as both Concerta and Adderall interact with certain drugs, increasing the risk of severe side effects. Because these medications produce similar effects, they have similar drug interactions:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Antihypertensive medications
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
Which is cheaper, Concerta or Adderall?
Concerta tablets (18 mg/24 hr) typically cost $1,368 for 100 tablets. The same amount and dose of its generic version, methylphenidate, costs about $291. On average, Adderall costs $1,139 for a supply of 100 5 mg tablets. The same dose of its generic substitute, a mix of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, sells for $24. The difference between brand-name and generic prices is huge! This is why most people, particularly those on long-term treatment, opt for generic versions of these ADHD medications.
How to save money on your Concerta or Adderall prescription
Struggling to access your monthly prescription medications? Concerta and Adderall are mainly used to control ADHD symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults. Most people, however, cannot afford these medications without some form of financial assistance. The Rx Advocates is a drug advocacy program that helps people access their prescription drugs at affordable prices—whether or not they have insurance coverage. We work closely with US-based pharmaceutical companies that offer financial help in the form of patient assistance programs. These programs offer substantial, long-term savings, and we can help you access them for just $70–$100 monthly, depending on how many medications you need help with.
We have helped many people save hundreds of dollars every month on Concerta and Adderall as well as on other brand-name prescription medications. Contact us today to find out if you qualify!
