What’s in a Name?
The word “concert” comes from the Latin word for “concert,” which means “to play.” Concerta is derived from the Greek words koinon (meaning music) and stellos (meaning strings). Vyvanse is derived from the Russian words Волна́висть (“vyvainstvo”), meaning “doses” or “dose.” Both of these words mean “amount.”
Why Use Concerta Over Vyvanse?
Concerta is a brand name used by Eli Lilly and Company. They are one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. They manufacture many drugs for treating various medical conditions, including ADHD medication. Many studies have been conducted on both medications to determine their effectiveness in treating ADHD symptoms.
Vyvanse is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. They make many different types of drugs for treating various medical conditions, including ADHD medication. Some studies have been conducted on both medications to determine their effectiveness in treating ADHD symptoms.
Both Concerta and Vyvanse are FDA approved medications for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, there are some differences between them in terms of side effects and potential benefits when taken at the same time.
While both of these drugs are used for the same purpose, there are some key differences between them.
What are the differences between Concerta and Vyvanse?
There are some key differences between Concerta and Vyvanse, including:
1. Types of Drugs
Concerta is a brand name for methylphenidate, which is in the class of drugs called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. Vyvanse is a brand name for lisdexamfetamine, which is in the CNS stimulant drug class.
2. How They Work
Both Concerta and Vyvanse affect the brain by increasing levels of certain mood stabilizing chemicals. Concerta does this by releasing steady amounts of medication into the body throughout the day while Vyvanse works by releasing a large amount of medication all at once and then slowly releasing it over time.
There are some differences between the way Concerta and Vyvanse work. While both of them are CNS stimulants that affect the brain by increasing levels of certain mood stabilizing chemicals, this happens in a different way with each medication.
Concerta works by releasing steady amounts of methylphenidate into the body throughout the day. This helps to keep your ADHD symptoms under control throughout the day, as well as prevent them from coming back when the drug starts to wear off.
Concerta is designed to have a 12-hour duration. This means that it’s supposed to last for about 12 hours before it is out of your system.
Vyvanse also releases a large amount of medication all at once. It then proceeds to release small amounts of the drug later, over the course of several hours. It is designed to last for about three to four hours before its effects start to wear off.
3. Usual Dose
The usual dose of a medication is how much the manufacturer suggests you take per day. It’s important to take the exact dosage to get the best results and prevent negative side effects.
The standard dose for Vyvanse is 30mg per day, while the standard dose for Concerta is 18mg per day. However, your doctor may recommend a different dose depending on your specific needs.
4. Methylphenidate Alternative
Vyvanse is often considered to be a replacement for Concerta because the two drugs are so similar. It is true that the drugs have a very similar chemical make-up and affect the brain in a similar way. However, they do have some differences.
For example, Vyvanse begins working faster than Concerta, which means you may need to take it at different times of the day to prevent problems with sleep. It is also known to have more side effects than Concerta.
Which Drug Is Right for You?
Both Concerta and Vyvanse are used to treat the symptoms of ADHD by affecting the amounts of certain chemicals in the brain. While both drugs can be extremely beneficial, they are also different in a number of ways.
It’s important to discuss all of your options with your doctor before making a decision about which drug is best for you. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Vyvanse or Concerta—which one do you think will work best for your situation?
Sources & references used in this article:
Nonmedical use and diversion of ADHD stimulants among US adults ages 18-49: A national internet survey by TA Cassidy, S Varughese, L Russo… – Journal of attention …, 2015 – journals.sagepub.com
ADHD seen in 11% of US children as diagnoses rise by A Schwarz, S Cohen – New York Times, 2013 – darkwing.uoregon.edu
ADHD Medication: Wide Variation Across Kentucky Raises Questions by MT Childress – 2012 – uknowledge.uky.edu
