4 The authors concluded that although methylphenidate appeared to modestly improve symptoms such hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty in concentrating they couldn’t say for sure how much of a difference it made because many trials failed to completely report all results, and outcomes were not consistent across all trials. It is difficult for trials involving CNS stimulants not to be bias in some way – disguising the effects of a stimulant drug is practically impossible, particularly in trials comparing it to placebo, and most trial participants, clinicians and researchers are able to work out who is taking active drug and who is taking placebo.Ī Cochrane group recently reviewed the results of 185 trials involving methylphenidate for the treatment of ADHD. Stimulants are effective for ADHD however, it is worthwhile noting that the majority of trials have been of poor quality and relatively short duration. 3 So are stimulants actually effective for ADHD? If one ADHD medication fails, it is appropriate to try another before giving up on stimulant treatment. If, after weighing up risks versus benefits, medications are deemed appropriate to use in children with ADHD, continuous monitoring for improvement or development of side effects should be undertaken. 3īehavioral therapy is still recommended as first-line treatment for ADHD in young children. For most it tended to be a two-way street with some people responding better to methylphenidate, and others responding better to amphetamine-type drugs. One trend did emerge though, and that was that every study had some subjects who responded better to one drug and not the other. Most were done pre-1996 and numbers of patients included in each study were too low to report any statistically significant difference between the two drugs. Several trials have directly compared methylphenidate (contained in Concerta) to amphetamines (such as Adderall) in a cross-over type design (one drug is given for a few weeks followed by the other drug after a period of no drug). 2 Do any studies directly compare Concerta to Adderall? The mixed amphetamine salts contained in Adderall are dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate. Methylphenidate is available as a generic and other brands include Aptensio, Metadate, Methylin, Quillivant and Ritalin. These two neurotransmitters transmit impulses between nerves, which helps improve ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. 1,2 Although they both contain different ingredients, they are both classified as CNS stimulants and are thought to work in a similar way – by increasing the concentrations of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Concerta is a brand name for methylphenidate and Adderall contains mixed amphetamine salts. See also: Compare Tool - Concerta vs Adderall Are Concerta and Adderall the same? Abuse or dependence potential is untested, but likely to be similar. Not everybody responds equally to either Concerta or Adderall so if one treatment is ineffective or intolerable it is appropriate to try another. Concerta and Adderall are both associated with sleep problems and a decreased appetite in addition, Concerta is more likely to cause stomach pain. Although Concerta and Adderall contain different ingredients, they are both classified as CNS stimulants and are thought to work in a similar way in ADHD - by increasing the concentration of two neurotransmitters (dopamine and norepinephrine) in the brain.ĭirect comparison studies and placebo trials indicate that both drugs are effective in ADHD, although it is worthwhile noting that most trials are of poor quality and short duration. Concerta contains methylphenidate whereas Adderall contains a mixture of amphetamine salts (MAS).
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