Concerta vs. Intuniv
See how Concerta and Intuniv compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Concerta is a stimulant that starts working within hours, while Intuniv is a non-stimulant that takes several weeks to reach full effect.
Concerta is approved for ages 6 to 65, but Intuniv is only FDA-approved for children and teens ages 6 to 17.
Intuniv can be added to a stimulant like Concerta, since doctors sometimes combine them for extra ADHD control.
Concerta vs. Intuniv Drug Summary
Concerta
Concerta is a CNS stimulant that contains methylphenidate and treats ADHD in patients ages 6 to 65. It uses an osmotic delivery system to release medication steadily over about 12 hours from a single morning dose, and it is a Schedule II controlled substance.
Intuniv
Intuniv is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that works by activating alpha2A-adrenergic receptors in the brain. It is FDA-approved for children and teens ages 6 to 17, either alone or combined with a stimulant, and is taken once daily as an extended-release tablet.
Concerta vs. Intuniv Side Effects
Concerta
Intuniv
Concerta vs. Intuniv Dosage
Concerta
Intuniv
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 18 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 72 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 4 mg once daily | Week 4 onward |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | Every week |
Concerta
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 18 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 72 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Intuniv
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 4 mg once daily | Week 4 onward |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | Every week |
Concerta vs. Intuniv Indications
Concerta
Concerta is FDA-approved to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients ages 6 to 65. It is sometimes used off-label for narcolepsy. It is not approved for children under 6 or adults over 65.
Treats ADHD in children, teens, and adults (6-65)
Off-label use for narcolepsy
Not approved under age 6 or over age 65
Once-daily extended-release stimulant
Intuniv
Intuniv is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17, either alone or added to a stimulant. It is sometimes used off-label for ADHD in adults. It has not been studied or approved for patients 18 and older.
Treats ADHD in children and teens (6-17)
Can be added to stimulant therapy
Off-label use in adults with ADHD
Once-daily non-stimulant tablet
Concerta vs. Intuniv Pros and Cons
Concerta
Concerta offers fast, reliable symptom control from a single morning dose and has decades of clinical use behind it. As a Schedule II controlled substance, it carries a boxed warning for abuse and misuse potential, and prescriptions are more tightly regulated.
Pros
Effects begin within hours of the first dose
Approved for both children and adults
Decades of established clinical experience
Cons
Schedule II controlled substance with abuse potential
Can cause insomnia and appetite suppression
Typically costlier, roughly $380 to $650 per month without insurance
Intuniv
Intuniv avoids the abuse risk of stimulants and can be layered onto stimulant treatment for added benefit. It takes weeks to reach full effect and commonly causes sedation, and it requires a gradual taper to avoid rebound high blood pressure.
Pros
Not a controlled substance, no abuse potential
Can be combined with a stimulant for extra control
Lower typical price, roughly $290 to $370 per month without insurance
Cons
Takes several weeks to reach full effect
Commonly causes sedation and fatigue
Only approved for patients under 18
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.