Vyvanse vs Concerta
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, affects a lot of children worldwide. It is a behavioral problem among a percentage of children in which the following can be found and are manifested: deficits in attention, impulsivity or acting before thinking, and lastly, hyperactivity or described as children who always wander around and cannot sit still.
ADHD can be controlled through medications. One of the most common medications to control their behavior is commonly known as “Power R.” The “R” stands for Ritalin. The parents know that medication for their children is of prime importance with ADHD as this can greatly affect their socializing skills and performance in school.
There are also newer medications. These are Vyvanse and Concerta. What can be the differences?
Vyvanse is an amphetamine stimulant while Concerta, on other hand, is a non-amphetamine stimulant. Both have advantages and disadvantages just based on the amphetamine content of the medication.
Concerta is an ADHD drug that can be given for a maximum dose of 54 mg. a day. It is administered with meals during breakfast. It will take effect within 30 minutes and will lasts for 10 hours which is good for school. This is also enough until school ends.
Vyvanse, on the other hand, is also a drug for ADHD. Since this is an amphetamine-based drug, the lowest dose must be administered which is 30 mg. This drug works in two hours. It is also administered once during breakfast so the effects would last throughout the day.
The disadvantages of taking Concerta is the rebound effect as the drug wears off. In a rebound effect, the opposite happens and the symptoms worsen. The child may experience a flat affect and then will return to his or her ADHD symptoms. Thus, the child won’t be able to prepare and focus on his studies, projects, and homework in school. Other side effects of Concerta are personality changes.
The disadvantages of Vyvanse in some children is the rise in blood pressure after four to five hours. If this happens, the parent should contact the physician to alter the medication and its dosing.
Concerta is a brand name, and its generic name is methylphenidate. Lisdexamfetamine is the generic name of Vyvanse.
Summary:
1. Concerta is a brand name, and its generic name is methylphenidate.
Lisdexamfetamine is the generic name of Vyvanse.
2. Vyvanse is an amphetamine stimulant while Concerta, on other hand, is a
non-amphetamine stimulant.
3. Concerta works within 30 minutes while Vyvanse works in 2 hours.
4. Concerta has rebound effects while Vyvanse may cause an increase in blood
pressure.