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Key takeaways
Concerta and Vyvanse are both FDA-approved stimulant medications for treating ADHD, but only Vyvanse is approved to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults.
While both drugs are classified as Schedule II controlled substances due to their potential for abuse, Vyvanse’s active ingredient, lisdexamfetamine, may have a lower potential for abuse because it needs to be converted in the body to become active.
Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary for each medication; generic versions of Concerta and Vyvanse may be covered by insurance and Medicare prescription plans.
Common side effects of both medications include reduced appetite, weight loss, anxiety, dry mouth, and insomnia, but patients should consult healthcare providers for a full list of possible side effects and drug interactions.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition in the U.S.—7 million children between the ages of 3 and 17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD, and about 4.4% of adults have ADHD.
Concerta (methylphenidate hydrochloride) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) are two stimulant ADHD medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD. Vyvanse can also treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults.
Although Concerta and Vyvanse are both stimulants, they are not precisely the same. Continue reading to learn more about Concerta and Vyvanse.
What are the main differences between Concerta and Vyvanse?
Concerta and Vyvanse are both stimulant medications. Both are classified as Schedule II drugs and controlled substances by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) because of the potential for abuse and dependence. As stimulants, these medications work by affecting neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve symptoms of ADHD, such as increasing focus and decreasing impulsivity. The actions on neurotransmitters also help improve BED.
Concerta is used to treat ADHD in adults and children. It is available in both brand-name and generic formulations. The active ingredient of Concerta is methylphenidate (extended-release). Concerta is typically dosed once per day.
Vyvanse is used for the treatment of ADHD in adults and children. It can also be used for moderate to severe binge eating disorders in adults. The active ingredient in Vyvanse is called lisdexamfetamine, which is known as a prodrug. When you take Vyvanse, it starts in its inactive form, lisdexamfetamine. When it travels through the gastrointestinal tract and liver, it is converted to its active form, dextroamphetamine. This mechanism of action lowers Vyvanse’s abuse potential. Vyvanse is available in both brand-name and generic form. Vyvanse is dosed once daily.
The length of treatment with Concerta or Vyvanse varies. Some patients take a “drug holiday.” During a drug holiday, the medication is temporarily stopped, for example, during summer vacation when school is not in session. Your healthcare professional can help you determine if you or your child should take a drug holiday.
| Concerta | Vyvanse | |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | CNS stimulant | CNS stimulant |
| Brand/generic status | Brand and generic | Brand and generic |
| What is the generic name? | Methylphenidate hydrochloride (HCl), extended-release | Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate |
| What form(s) does the drug come in? | Extended-release tablet | Capsules, chewable tablet |
| What is the standard dosage? | 18, 27, 36, or 54 mg once daily in the morning (dosage depends on age and response to treatment). The maximum dose is 54 mg per day in children and 72 mg per day in adolescents and adults. | ADHD in adults or children (6 years and older): 30 mg to 70 mg daily in the morning (maximum dose is 70 mg/day)
Binge eating disorder (moderate to severe) in adults: 50 mg to 70 mg daily in the morning (may start at 30 mg and slowly increase; maximum dose is 70 mg/ day) |
| How long is the typical treatment? | Varies | Varies |
| Who typically uses the medication? | Ages 6 years to 65 | ADHD: Ages 6 years to 65
Moderate to severe binge-eating disorder: Adults |
Conditions treated by Concerta and Vyvanse
Concerta and Vyvanse can treat ADHD in children ages 6 years and older, adolescents, and adults. Concerta or Vyvanse should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, including other components such as behavioral therapy and educational intervention. In addition to ADHD, Vyvanse is also used to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Vyvanse is not indicated for weight loss or to treat obesity.
| Condition | Concerta | Vyvanse |
|---|---|---|
| ADHD (adults and children ages 6 years and older) | Yes | Yes |
| Moderate to severe binge eating disorder (adults) | No | Yes |
Is Concerta or Vyvanse more effective?
Although both medications undergo clinical trials for safety and efficacy in order to be approved by the FDA, there is little data that compares the two drugs to each other. In 2014, the manufacturer of Vyvanse announced results from two studies that compared the efficacy of Concerta to Vyvanse in patients ages 13–17 years old with ADHD. Each patient took Concerta, Vyvanse, or a placebo (inactive medicine).
In the first study, the results looked at the change from baseline at week six in the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV) total score. At the end of the study, patients who took Vyvanse had a slightly larger reduction in the score (25.4 point reduction) compared to patients who took Concerta (22.1-point reduction) or placebo (17-point reduction). In this study, Vyvanse was found to be “statistically superior” to Concerta.
In the second study, patients were treated for eight weeks. In this study, patients who took Vyvanse had a 25.6-point reduction in ADHD-RS-IV total score. Patients who took Concerta had a 23.5-point reduction, and patients who took a placebo had a 13.4-point reduction. The researchers found this to not be statistically significant but stated that Vyvanse “was found to have a larger mean reduction (improvement) of 2.1 points compared to Concerta on the primary efficacy analysis.”
Although Vyvanse was slightly more effective in this study, the medications were only studied in patients ages 13–17 years old. Also, there are many factors to take into consideration when choosing a medication that is best for the patient, including ADHD symptoms, the potential for abuse, potential side effects and drug interactions, and cost, among other factors.
Before taking Concerta or Vyvanse, tell your healthcare provider about your symptoms, medical history, and other medical conditions you have, as well as all of the medications you take. If you have a history of abuse or dependence (this can include alcohol, prescription drugs, or street drugs), tell your healthcare provider. There are also non-stimulant drug options, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) or Intuniv (guanfacine extended-release), to consider. Only your healthcare provider is qualified to give medical advice on which drug is appropriate for you based on all of this information.
Coverage and cost comparison of Concerta vs. Vyvanse
Brand-name versions of Concerta or Vyvanse are not typically covered by insurance plans. If they are covered, they may have higher out-of-pocket costs. Medicare prescription plans do not typically cover brand-name Concerta or Vyvanse, either. Instead, insurance and Medicare prescription plans are more likely to cover generic forms of Concerta or Vyvanse, although coverage will vary by plan. Contact your insurance provider for up-to-date insurance coverage information. You can save money on Concerta or Vyvanse using a free SingleCare card if you don’t have insurance coverage or if either drug is too expensive with insurance.
The out-of-pocket cost for 30 brand-name Concerta 36 mg tablets is about $643. Choosing generic methylphenidate ER and using a SingleCare prescription discount card can reduce the price to as low as $36.
The price without insurance for 30 brand-name Vyvanse 50 mg capsules is about $540, but filling the prescription for generic lisdexamfetamine and using a SingleCare prescription discount card can bring the price to as low as $96.
| Concerta | Vyvanse | |
|---|---|---|
| Typically covered by insurance? | Coverage varies—generic is often covered, but out-of-pocket expenses will vary | Coverage varies—generic is often covered, but out-of-pocket expenses will vary |
| Typically covered by Medicare Part D? | Brand: No
Generic: Varies | Brand: No
Generic: Varies |
| Quantity | 30, 54 mg tablets | 30, 50 mg capsules |
| SingleCare cost | $36 and up | $96 and up |
| How to save | Get coupon | Get coupon |
Common side effects of Concerta vs. Vyvanse
Common side effects of Concerta include stomach pain, reduced appetite, weight loss, headache, dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, irritability, and increased sweating.
Common side effects of Vyvanse in people with ADHD include reduced appetite, weight loss, anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, irritability, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. In people with binge eating disorder, the most common Vyvanse side effects are dry mouth, insomnia, appetite loss, increased heart rate, jitters, constipation, and anxiety.
Allergic reactions are rare. If you have symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling, get emergency medical help immediately.
This is not a full list of side effects. Serious side effects may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for a full list of adverse effects that can occur with Concerta or Vyvanse.
| Concerta | Vyvanse | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side effect | Applicable? | Frequency | Applicable? | Frequency |
| Upper abdominal pain | Yes | 6.2% | Yes | 12% |
| Loss of appetite | Yes | 25.3% | Yes | 39% |
| Weight loss | Yes | 6.5% | Yes | 9% |
| Headache | Yes | 22.2% | Yes | 1% |
| Dry mouth | Yes | 14% | Yes | 5% |
| Nausea | Yes | 12.8% | Yes | 6% |
| Irritability | Yes | 5.8% | Yes | 10% |
| Anxiety | Yes | 8.2% | Yes | 6% |
| Excess sweating | Yes | 5.1% | Yes | 4% |
| Vomiting | Yes | 2.8% | Yes | 9% |
| Fever | Yes | 2.2% | Yes | 2% |
| Dizziness | Yes | 1.9% | Yes | 5% |
| Insomnia | Yes | 2.8% | Yes | 22% |
| Cough | Yes | 1.9% | No | — |
Sources: Concerta (DailyMed), Vyvanse (DailyMed)
Drug interactions of Concerta vs. Vyvanse
Concerta or Vyvanse should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) because the combination could cause a hypertensive (high blood pressure) crisis. Concerta or Vyvanse should be separated from an MAOI by at least 14 days.
Concerta or Vyvanse should not be used with other medications that increase serotonin, such as antidepressants, triptans for migraine, or the cough suppressant dextromethorphan. The combination of drugs can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition caused by the buildup of serotonin.
This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Consult your healthcare provider for a complete list of drug interactions. Before taking Concerta or Vyvanse, tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins or supplements.
| Drug | Drug class | Concerta | Vyvanse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phenelzine
Rasagiline Selegiline Tranylcypromine | MAOI | Yes | Yes |
| Warfarin | Anticoagulant | Yes | No |
| Citalopram
Escitalopram Fluoxetine Fluvoxamine Paroxetine Sertraline | SSRI antidepressants | Yes | Yes |
| Desvenlafaxine
Duloxetine Venlafaxine | SNRI antidepressants | Yes | Yes |
| Amitriptyline
Desipramine Imipramine Nortriptyline | Tricyclic antidepressants | Yes | Yes |
| Eletriptan
Rizatriptan Sumatriptan Zolmitriptan | Triptans for migraine | Yes | Yes |
| Dextromethorphan | Cough suppressant found in many OTC and Rx cough and cold preparations | Yes | Yes |
| Codeine
Fentanyl Hydrocodone Methadone Morphine Oxycodone Tramadol | Opioids | Yes | Yes |
| Phenobarbital
Phenytoin Primidone | Anticonvulsants | Yes | Yes |
| Risperidone | Atypical antipsychotic | Yes | No |
Warnings of Concerta and Vyvanse
Every time you fill a prescription for Concerta or Vyvanse, you will receive a medication guide. This guide contains information about the drug, such as side effects and warnings. Concerta and Vyvanse both have a black box warning. Also called a boxed warning, this is the strongest warning required by the FDA. Due to the risk of abuse or dependence, before a healthcare provider will prescribe Concerta or Vyvanse, they’ll evaluate their patients for the risk of abuse. They’ll also monitor patients for signs of abuse during treatment. Patients are closely supervised when stopping their medication as well.
Certain patients should not take Concerta or Vyvanse. When a medication should not be used in certain instances, this is called a contraindication. Concerta and Vyvanse are contraindicated in patients who have an allergy to the medication or any ingredient in the medicine. Also, Concerta or Vyvanse should not be used within two weeks of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). People with certain medical conditions (such as seizures, glaucoma, or high blood pressure) should only take Concerta or Vyvanse if the healthcare provider determines the benefits outweigh the risks, so be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medical conditions and medical history.
Other warnings
- Stimulant medications have caused sudden death—in rare cases—in children and adolescents with certain serious heart problems. This can occur even at regular doses. Sudden death, stroke, and heart attack have also occurred in adults. Neither Concerta nor Vyvanse should be used in patients with heart problems or abnormalities (such as heart disease or arrhythmia).
- Concerta and Vyvanse should be used with caution in people with high blood pressure or problems with the heart or heart rate. Concerta and Vyvanse can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Patients should be monitored while taking either drug.
- Allergic reactions are rare. Patients with hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue should get emergency medical help.
- Prolonged and painful erection (priapism) has occurred with stimulants. Priapism requires immediate medical attention.
- Children who take stimulants may have a temporarily slowed growth rate. The healthcare provider will monitor growth during stimulant treatment.
- When taking Concerta or Vyvanse, there is a risk of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is life-threatening and caused by a buildup of excess serotonin. It is more likely to occur during a dosage increase or an overdose or when Concerta or Vyvanse is taken along with other drugs that increase serotonin. Symptoms may include agitation, hallucinations, delirium, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, flushing, tremors, incoordination, seizures, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Serotonin syndrome requires emergency medical attention.
- Keep Concerta and Vyvanse in a safe place, locked if possible, and out of the reach of children and pets. Keeping the medication in a safe place helps prevent misuse and abuse.
Concerta:
- Patients with certain gastrointestinal (GI) conditions should not take Concerta. The Concerta tablet does not change shape in the GI tract and could cause obstruction.
- Concerta tablets should not be crushed, split, or chewed. Swallow the tablet whole. The inactive shell of the tablet may be present in the stool—this is a normal occurrence.
Vyvanse:
- Vyvanse capsules should be swallowed whole. Patients who have difficulty swallowing the pill can open the capsule, mix the entire contents with water, yogurt, or orange juice, and consume it immediately.
- Vyvanse chewable tablets should be thoroughly chewed before swallowing.
Frequently asked questions about Concerta vs Vyvanse
What is Concerta?
Concerta is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It is used to treat ADHD in adults and children ages 6 years and older. Concerta contains long-acting methylphenidate for once daily dosing.
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a CNS stimulant. It is used to treat ADHD in adults and children ages 6 and older. It can also be used to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorders in adults, but it is not indicated for weight loss or obesity. Like Concerta, Vyvanse is dosed once daily.
Are Concerta and Vyvanse the same?
Concerta and Vyvanse are both central nervous system stimulants. They are similar but not exactly the same. Both can be used to treat ADHD, and Vyvanse can also be used to treat binge eating disorder. The two drugs have some similarities and some differences, outlined above.
Some examples of other stimulant medications include Ritalin (methylphenidate), Quillivant XR, Focalin, and Adderall (amphetamine salts).
RELATED: Vyvanse vs. Ritalin
Is Concerta or Vyvanse better?
While some research found that Vyvanse was slightly more effective than Concerta, both medications have undergone safety and efficacy studies, and there are many factors to take into consideration when choosing a medication. Your healthcare provider can determine if Concerta or Vyvanse is an appropriate drug for you, taking into account symptoms, medical and family history, and other medications you take that could interact with Concerta or Vyvanse.
Can I use Concerta or Vyvanse while pregnant?
Stimulants such as Concerta or Vyvanse are generally not used in pregnancy due to a lack of safety information and the risk of harm to the unborn baby. Contact your prescriber right away if you take Concerta or Vyvanse and find out that you are pregnant.
Can I use Concerta or Vyvanse with alcohol?
Avoid alcohol when taking Concerta or Vyvanse. While these medications are CNS stimulants, alcohol is a CNS depressant. They work against each other, which can make you feel less intoxicated. This feeling may cause you to drink more, which could lead to accidents or alcohol poisoning (which can cause nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, seizures, or even death). Using stimulants with alcohol can also cause heart problems.
- Concerta, DailyMed (2024)
- Concerta, PDR
- Vyvanse, DailyMed (2023)
- Vyvanse, PDR
- Data and statistics on ADHD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024)
- General prevalence of ADHD in adults, Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
- Drug scheduling, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
- ADHD: The pros and cons of a drug holiday, Child Mind Institute (2024)
- Vyvanse, Concerta go head-to-head in ADHD study, Medical Professionals Reference (2014)