Concerta Vs. Adderall: How to Differentiate & Be More Informed

Because of the fact that Concerta is a methylphenidate while Adderall is an amphetamine, side effects can feel milder with Concerta. Additionally, Concerta is known to have a greater effect on mental activities vs. motor activities.

Appetite suppression is a common side effect of both Concerta and Adderall, which is why it is commonly abused by those looking for a quick way to lose weight. Any type of abuse of either of these drugs is incredibly dangerous and can certainly lead to addiction and other health risks.

Contraindications Of Concerta and Adderall

There are a few contraindications to both Concerta and Adderall. Those suffering with any of the following should likely avoid both drugs in order to decrease the risk of negative side effects:

• Experience easy agitation
• Are dealing with anxiety or depression (or are currently taking MAOI antidepressants)
• Have glaucoma

Those with the following should avoid Concerta specifically due to the fact that it does not affect motor skills as much as it affects mental skills:

• Tics
• Tourette’s (or a family history of Tourette’s)

Those with the following should avoid taking Adderall due to the negative effects it can have on the cardiovascular system:

• Cardiovascular disease (symptomatic)
• Arteriosclerosis (advanced)
• Hyperactive thyroid
• A history of drug addiction

Concerta vs. Adderall Dosage

Concerta is only available in extended-release tablets while Adderall is available in both immediate and extended release forms. Effects of extended-release doses will last longer and side effects will feel milder than those of instant-release doses.

Concerta is available in four different dosages (18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, and 54 mg) while Adderall comes in many different increments ranging from 5 – 30 mg. Factors influencing dosage include your age, overall health, and how your body responds to the medication.

Price of dose largely depends on factors such as insurance, location, and actual dosage. However, brand names like Concerta and Adderall typically cost more than their generic counterparts.

Concerta vs. Adderall High

While Concerta and Adderall are both effective in treating those with ADHD, the euphoric high experienced with both drugs make them prime candidates for abuse. At high doses, the increased dopamine in the brain can increase feelings of self-confidence, energy, pleasure, and other positive feelings. This is more commonly experienced with Adderall as the opposite is said to occur with high doses of Concerta.

Long-Term Symptoms of Concerta And Adderall Abuse

Overtime, abuse of Concerta and Adderall can lead to more serious side effects such as:

Due to the highly addictive properties of these drugs, if any of the above symptoms are observed, it’s a good time to start looking for treatment options in order to stop further damage to the body. Learn more about prescription drug treatment options.

Concerta and Adderall Abuse in College Students

Adderall and Concerta are commonly abused by those looking to increase their focus for long periods of time in order to improve performance at work or in school. This is why they are most commonly abused on college campuses where taking the drugs recreationally to stay on top of grades can seem normal.

For students without a valid prescription, risk of addiction is very high. Those abusing drugs like Adderall and Concerta would benefit from mental health counseling to help them learn how to cope with the stresses of college life without a dependency on drugs. If abuse has escalated to addiction, a dual diagnosis addiction treatment center can provide an adequate focus on mental health while also treating the addiction.

Bottom Line: Difference Between Concerta and Adderall

Some people respond differently to Adderall than they do to Concerta. Additionally, if you have any pre-existing conditions that are contraindicated for either of the drugs, your doctor might recommend one over another. Adderall tends to be favored more by those who are looking to relieve motor symptoms of ADHD vs.Concerta, while Concerta could be favored for those looking for longer relief due to it’s only available in extended-release form.

Both contain highly addictive properties that should be considered prior to experimentation with Concerta or Adderall whether it be recreationally or validated by a prescription.

Young Adults Struggling With Concerta or Adderall Abuse

If you think you know a young adult who could be abusing Concerta or Adderall, feel free to give us a call at 424.229.4179 or fill out a contact form to talk to an admissions counselor about whether they could be trending towards addiction.

At Sober College, our young adult rehab helps individuals regain control in their lives and beat addiction in a safe, therapeutic environment. Thanks to our partnership with Woodbury University, we offer a truly unique rehab experience that includes therapy and transferable college courses. Continue reading to learn more about the college and rehab aspect of our unique program.