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Methylphenidate Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Methylphenidate Remove Methylphenidate from your drug comparison Vyvanse Remove Vyvanse from your drug comparison Adderall Remove Adderall from your drug comparison
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Methylphenidate Remove Methylphenidate from your drug comparison Vyvanse lisdexamfetamine Remove Vyvanse from your drug comparison Adderall amphetamine / dextroamphetamine Remove Adderall from your drug comparison

Methylphenidate improves symptoms of ADHD but carries with it a risk of dependence and side effects such as insomnia are common. To avoid insomnia the last dose should be administered before 6pm.... View more

Vyvanse is a stimulant used in the treatment of ADHD and BED. It is potentially addictive and there have been reports of serious cardiac side effects in adults and children. Prescribed for Binge... View more

Adderall is a combination of four different amphetamine salts and is used for the treatment of ADHD or narcolepsy. Adderall is potentially addictive and can cause insomnia. Prescribed for ADHD,... View more

Prescription only

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 875 reviews

View all 822 reviews

View all 362 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: insomnia, nausea, headache, vomiting, decreased appetite, xerostomia.

See the full methylphenidate side effects document.

Common side effects include: insomnia, irritability.

See the full Vyvanse side effects document.

See the full Adderall side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 30 each
Dosage 10 mg
Per Unit* $0.94
Cost* $28.14

View all methylphenidate prices

Quantity 100 capsule
Dosage 30 mg
Per Unit* $11.75
Cost* $1,175.24

View all Vyvanse prices

Quantity 100 tablet
Dosage 5 mg
Per Unit* $8.65
Cost* $864.50

View all Adderall prices and generic prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

No

Yes

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral capsule, extended release
  • Oral solution
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, chewable
  • Oral tablet, extended release
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral tablet, chewable
  • Oral tablet

Brand Names
Adhansia XR, Aptensio XR, Concerta, Cotempla XR-ODT, Daytrana, Jornay PM, Metadate CD, Methylin, Methylin ER, QuilliChew ER, Quillivant XR, Relexxii, Ritalin, Ritalin LA View more

N/A

 Other amphetamine / dextroamphetamine brands include: Adderall XR, Mydayis

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

4 hours

1 hour

34 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
2
High potential for abuse

Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
2
High potential for abuse

Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
2
High potential for abuse

Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

Pregnancy Category
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (3)

FDA Alerts (1)

FDA Alerts (4)

Drug Interactions

A total of 183 drugs are known to interact with methylphenidate:

  • 19 major drug interactions (90 brand and generic names)
  • 154 moderate drug interactions (570 brand and generic names)
  • 10 minor drug interactions (30 brand and generic names)

A total of 329 drugs are known to interact with Vyvanse:

  • 89 major drug interactions (286 brand and generic names)
  • 230 moderate drug interactions (1087 brand and generic names)
  • 10 minor drug interactions (40 brand and generic names)

A total of 179 drugs are known to interact with Adderall:

  • 36 major drug interactions (138 brand and generic names)
  • 135 moderate drug interactions (679 brand and generic names)
  • 8 minor drug interactions (30 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Do not use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while you are receiving treatment with... View more
  • Using lisdexamfetamine together with alcohol can increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects... View more
  • Using amphetamine together with alcohol can increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects such... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

December 05, 1955

February 23, 2007

January 19, 1960

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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