Vyvanse vs. Concerta

See how Vyvanse and Concerta compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Vyvanse is a once-daily amphetamine prodrug approved for ADHD and binge eating disorder, while Concerta is a once-daily methylphenidate tablet approved only for ADHD in ages 6 to 65.

  • Both carry boxed warnings for abuse, misuse, and dependence, and both can cause decreased appetite and insomnia.

  • Vyvanse uses a five-step dose titration up to 70 mg, while Concerta offers five fixed maintenance strengths from 18 mg to 72 mg without a required titration schedule.

Vyvanse vs. Concerta Drug Summary

Vyvanse

Vyvanse is a CNS stimulant that works as a prodrug of dextroamphetamine, meaning it converts to its active form after ingestion. It is FDA-approved for ADHD in people 6 and older and for moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. It comes as a once-daily capsule or chewable tablet taken in the morning.

Concerta

Concerta is a CNS stimulant containing methylphenidate, delivered through an extended-release tablet that uses osmotic pressure to release medication over about 12 hours. It is FDA-approved for ADHD in people ages 6 to 65 and is sometimes prescribed off-label for narcolepsy. It is taken once daily in the morning and must be swallowed whole.

Vyvanse vs. Concerta Side Effects

Vyvanse

Most common
decreased appetite (up to 27%)
insomnia (up to 16%)
dry mouth (up to 23%)
anxiety (up to 8%)

Concerta

Most common
decreased appetite (≥5%)
insomnia (≥5%)
headache (≥5%)
nausea (≥5%)

Vyvanse vs. Concerta Dosage

Vyvanse

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 30 mg once daily Week 1
Maximum dose 70 mg once daily Week 4 onward
Dose changes 4 increases Every week

Concerta

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 18 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 18 mg once daily Same as starting
Dose changes None Fixed dose

Vyvanse vs. Concerta Indications

Vyvanse

Vyvanse treats ADHD by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine activity in the brain to improve focus, impulse control, and attention. It is also the first and only stimulant FDA-approved specifically for treating moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. It is not approved for weight loss, even though it can suppress appetite.

  • FDA-approved for ADHD in ages 6 and older

  • FDA-approved for moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults

  • Not approved for weight loss or obesity treatment

  • Available as capsule or chewable tablet

Concerta

Concerta treats ADHD in patients ages 6 to 65 by boosting dopamine and norepinephrine levels to help with focus and impulse control throughout the day. Some doctors also prescribe it off-label to manage narcolepsy, though this is not an FDA-approved use. It is not approved for children under 6 or adults over 65.

  • FDA-approved for ADHD in ages 6 to 65

  • Off-label use for narcolepsy

  • Not approved for children under 6 or adults over 65

  • Extended-release tablet delivers medication over about 12 hours

Vyvanse vs. Concerta Pros and Cons

Vyvanse

Vyvanse offers a once-daily dosing schedule with a simple five-step titration and is the only stimulant approved for binge eating disorder, though it shares the same boxed warnings for abuse and cardiovascular risk as other stimulants. Coverage varies by insurer, and its list price sits in a similar range to other branded stimulants.

Pros

  • Only stimulant FDA-approved for binge eating disorder

  • Available as a chewable tablet for people who dislike swallowing pills

  • Prodrug design may lower misuse risk if snorted or injected

  • No upper age limit specified in its ADHD indication

Cons

  • Not approved for narcolepsy, even off-label

  • Requires a multi-week titration before reaching a stable dose

  • Carries a specific warning for peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon

Concerta

Concerta's osmotic delivery system provides steady coverage for about 12 hours, and its five dose strengths allow finer adjustments than some other stimulants, but it carries the same boxed warnings for abuse and misuse. It is not approved for use beyond age 65, and its tablet must be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed.

Pros

  • Steady 12-hour coverage from osmotic-release technology

  • Five dose strengths allow finer titration adjustments

  • Longer FDA track record, approved since 2000

  • Sometimes used off-label for narcolepsy

Cons

  • Not approved for adults over 65

  • Tablet must be swallowed whole and cannot be chewed or crushed

  • No FDA-approved use for any eating disorder

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.