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What is the difference between the long acting AddrellXL/XR versus Concerta? My daughter is supposed to be put on the AddrellXL in 2 weeks, she has beentaking the reg Addrell twice a day 5 mg. Does the Concerta last longer than the AddrellXL? What are the side effects of both? I woldlove her to take one that lasts into the evening and not have a "melt down" late afternoon. Are does she maybe need a higher dose of the Addrell? She is 6 1/2 years old and wieghs 60lbs. Any help is appreciated!
Heather
Concerta is a long acting ritalin that 1/3 of the dose gets released immidiately and peaks within 2 hours and the remainder 2/3 gets released later and peaks roughly 5 to 6 hours after taking. The adderall xr is a long acting adderall that is slowly released throughout the day with the peak 5 to 6 hours after taking. Both meds are stimulants, but different chemicals. Both can have the same side effects, appetite suppression, anger problems, etc. it just differs from kid to kid. My son had major anger issues on the adderall but has no problems with the concerta. The initial peak is not strong enough for him so we supplement it with a short acting med called focalin. We tried just increasing the concerta dose, but the second peak was way too high and he was zombie-like. Good luck finding the right combo for your child.Adderall XR and Concerta are both long-acting formulas, like twinmom said. They are also different drugs. I am 19 and have personally been on both. I found that the Adderall XR worked better than the Concerta. I found that it made me less irritable, and allowed me to go on more with my daily life. With the Concerta, I would get really into something, but I wouldn't necessarily be time-efficient. I also felt a little "less-normal" on the Concerta. I would not say that she necessarily needs a higher does of quick-release adderall. The afternoon breakdown is a result from the drug wearing off and if she were to take an increased dose, it may last slightly longer, however the effects as it tapered off would probably be even more inflamed. In contrast, I would say take 2 increments of the regular adderall instead of one. Take the second dose while the first dose is still working, but almost gone (with just enough time before the first one wears off) However, if you are looking for the duration of the medication, the long-acting formulas will probably be better if there aren't any uncomfortable side- effects. You will find that there will be less "highs" and "lows" with the long-acting because the medication won't peak and fall, peak and fall.
I would also maybe reconsider medicating your child. She is young. Perhaps she is just an active child. I know that many kids as they grow up say that the years they were on medication were "the worst years of their lives" Many times people are mis-diagnosed because of what the doctors, teachers, or parents think. Keep in mind that she is a child and kids will be kids. Medicating normally affects the social life of children and has long-term effects on who they grow up to be.
Good luck, and keep us posted!
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