Adhansia vs Adderall for ADHD: what’s the difference?

Adhansia is a newer attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) medication. It’s similar to Adderall. Adhansia is only available as an extended-release medication — Adhansia XR. Adderall comes in immediate- and extended-release formulas. In this article, we outline details of Adhansia and Adhansia vs Adderall, including everything from side effects and contraindications to cost comparison, so you can have an informed discussion with a healthcare provider.

In 24 hours or less, Klarity can connect you with an ADHD specialist who can help determine which ADHD medication is best for you, your symptoms, and your medical history. To learn more about whether Adhansia or Adderall is right for you, schedule an appointment with a licensed healthcare provider on Klarity today. Your provider will discuss treatment options with you and send a prescription, if needed,  to your local pharmacy before the end of your appointment.

What is Adhansia for ADHD?

Adhansia (methylphenidate hydrochloride) is a once-a-day extended-release central nervous system (CNS) stimulant U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for use in ADHD sufferers 6 years of age or older in 2019 As a CNS, Adhansia blocks the reuptake of the norepinephrine and dopamine neurotransmitters in the brain, which improves focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. 

Adhansia capsules are filled with microbeads that feature 2  layers of protection — an immediate-release layer and a controlled-release layer. When taken, Adhansia releases about 20% of the medication load. One-hour after taking Adhansia, the controlled-release layer begins dissolving and releases a steady stream of medication into the bloodstream for up to 16 hours.

Adhansia is a federally controlled substance and also sold under the brand names Jornay PM, Quillivant, Concerta, and Ritalin. 

Adhansia generic forms and dosages

The Adhansia brand name was discontinued, but generic methylphenidate hydrochloride is available.

Generic Adhansia methylphenidate hydrochloride capsules come Generic methylphenidate hydrochloride comes in 3 release forms — 30/70, 40/60, and 50/50. The 30/70 strength release 30% of the medication in the first hour and the remaining 70% over the next 23 hours. The 40/60 and 50/50 strengths release 40% or 50% of the medication in the first hour and the remaining percentage over the next 23 hours. Both come in up to 7 strengths depending on the manufacturer: 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 milligrams. 

It’s recommended  that you start taking methylphenidate hydrochloride with 10 milligrams in the morning. You can take it with or without food but should take it consistently — at the same time and with a meal or not. 

Take generic Adhansia whole. Don’t crush or chew the capsules. You can open the capsules and sprinkle the microbeads onto a tablespoon of applesauce, yogurt, or food item of your choice. Swallow the entire mixture to avoid chewing it. 

Don’t drink alcohol while taking Adhansia as it can cause the medication to be released earlier than intended. 

You and your provider can work together to increase your dose by 10 milligrams a week until you reach the right maintenance dose for you, which can be up to 60 milligrams a day. 

Conditions treated by Adhansia and methylphenidate hydrochloride

Adhansia and generic methylphenidate hydrochloride is FDA approved to treat people 6 years and older with ADHD. 

Methylphenidate hydrochloride costs

The average retail price — the full price the pharmacy charges before insurance or coupons — for 10 milligrams of methylphenidate hydrochloride 30/70 release costs $2.79 a pill or $278.89 for 100 pills. The 40/60 release form is more expensive at from $6.20 to $8.18 per pill or $558.02 to $736.56 for 90 capsules. The 50/50 release is about $3.53 per capsule or $353.05 for 90 pills. Prices are according to drugs.com as of the date of publication.

Health insurance typically covers generic Adhansia. With or without insurance, with manufacturer and third-party coupons, you may pay less. For accurate pricing information under your current health insurance plan, contact your provider’s pharmacy department.

Side effects of Adhansia and methylphenidate hydrochloride

Common side effects of Adhansia and methylphenidate hydrochloride include, but aren’t limited to:

• Anorexia 
• Trouble sleeping 
• Dry mouth
• Decreased appetite 
• Decreased weight

Severe but less common side effects include, but aren’t limited to:

• Painful and prolonged erections (priapism)
• Circulation problems in fingers and toes (peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon). Signs and symptoms may include fingers or toes feeling numb, cool, painful, or changing color from pale, to blue, to red
• Slowed growth (height and weight) in children

Warnings and drug interactions with Adhansia and methylphenidate hydrochloride

Adhansia and methylphenidate hydrochloride can cause serious cardiovascular reactions, including sudden death, stroke, and myocardial infarction even when taken at recommended doses. 

People who have known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart rhythm abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and other serious heart problems should be monitored closely if taking this medication. If you develop chest pain upon exertion, unexplained syncope (brief loss of consciousness), or an arrhythmia (irregular or abnormal heartbeat) while using methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsule, talk to your doctor immediately.

Adhansia and methylphenidate hydrochloride can also cause blood pressure and heart rate increases. Anyone taking this medication should be monitored for hypertension and tachycardia (increased heart rate).

Adhansia and methylphenidate hydrochloride can also make pre-existing psychosis more severe, induce manic episodes if you have bipolar disorder, and cause new psychotic or manic symptoms. 

Boxed warning 

Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medication classified as a federally controlled substance. It has a high potential for dependency if misused. It’s important to follow the prescribed dosage and not exceed the recommended duration of use. 

Abruptly stopping Adhansia or and methylphenidate hydrochloride can result in withdrawal symptoms. Discuss any concerns or history of substance abuse with your healthcare provider to ensure safe and appropriate use of this controlled substance.

Drug interactions and contraindications

You shouldn’t take this medication if you’ve taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks. 

If you use medication to treat high blood pressure (antihypertensive drugs) know that Adhansia or methylphenidate hydrochloride  can reduce how effective they are.

If you’re considering getting pregnant, speak with a healthcare provider before taking this medication. Methylphenidate hydrochloride has been shown to pass into breast milk. 

For more information on warnings and drug interactions with methylphenidate hydrochloride, talk with your ADHD healthcare provider or see the medication’s medication guide.

Adhansia and methylphenidate hydrochloride vs Adderall for ADHD

What is Adderall?

Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) is a mixture of 4 amphetamine salts:

• Dextroamphetamine saccharate
• Amphetamine aspartate
• Dextroamphetamine sulfate
• Amphetamine sulfate

Amphetamine salts affect the CNS and improve concentration. 

Adderall was approved by the FDA in 1996 for use in ADHD sufferers 3 years of age and older. Like Adhansia or methylphenidate hydrochloride, Adderall for ADHD is a federally controlled stimulant that has the potential for abuse and addiction. 

Forms and dosages of Adderall

Adderall comes in 4 strengths, 5, 10, 20, and 30 milligrams, in both an immediate-release and an extended-release form. It can be taken 1 to 2 times a day with or without food. 

Because Adderall is a stimulant that can disrupt sleep patterns, you don’t take it too late in the day. 

Conditions treated by Adderall

Adderall is FDA-approved for use in individuals with ADHD and narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes involuntary sleep.

Costs for Adderall and amphetamine salts

Adderall is available as the brand name and as generic amphetamine salts. The retail price of brand-name Adderall starts at $759.54 for 100 extended-release capsules and from $1,138.63 for 100 oral, standard-release tablets. Generic amphetamine salts start at 24.24 for 100 5-milligram oral, standard-release tablets or $52.39 for 100 5-milligram extended-release capsules.

Your insurance company will likely cover at least generic amphetamine salts. For accurate coverage information and pricing under your health insurance plan, contact your insurance provider’s customer service department.

With or without insurance, with manufacturer and third-party coupons from SingleCare Rx, GoodRx, and other discount sites, you could pay less. 

Adderall side effects

Common side effects of Adderall in adults include, but aren’t limited to:

• Stomach ache
• Decreased appetite
• Nervousness
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Headache
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat
• Diarrhea
• weakness
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Less common side effects of Adderall include but are not limited to:

• Slowed growth (height and weight) in children
• Circulation problems in fingers and toes (peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon). Signs and symptoms may include fingers or toes feeling numb, cool, painful or changing color from pale, to blue, to red
• Seizures. 
• New or worsening tics or worsening Tourette’s Syndrome
• Serotonin syndrome when taken with other medications

Warnings and drug interactions for Adderall

Boxed warning 

Adderall is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medication and a federally controlled substance. It has a high potential for dependency if misused. It’s important to follow the prescribed dosage and not exceed the recommended duration of use. 

Abruptly stopping Adderall may cause withdrawal symptoms. Discuss any concerns or history of substance abuse with your healthcare provider to ensure the safe and appropriate use of Adderall.

Drug interactions for Adderall

Don’t take Adderall if:

• You’ve taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks
• You have a known hypersensitivity to Adderall or any of its ingredients

Adderall warnings and contraindications

If you experience or have a history of any of the following conditions, tell your healthcare provider:

• Heart problems, like chest pain, shortness of breath, or a known  structural cardiac abnormality
• Increased blood pressure or heart rate
• Psychosis, bipolar disease, or new psychotic or manic symptoms
• Seizures
• Circulatory problems (numbness, pain, cold fingers, and/or toes)

Is Adhansia or methylphenidate hydrochloride or Adderall better for ADHD?

Finding the right medication for your ADHD can require trial and error. Talking with a qualified healthcare provider who can diagnose and treat your specific ADHD condition is the best way to determine whether methylphenidate hydrochloride or amphetamine salt (aka Adderall) is the best choice for you. They can also help you switch ADHD medications if one doesn’t work well for you.

Discover a provider on Klarity and discover the right ADHD medication

With Klarity, finding the right ADHD medication is as simple as it gets. Find a licensed healthcare provider qualified to evaluate your symptoms and medical history and determine whether Adhansia, Adderall, or another medication is right for you. Find a provider now and have an appointment in as little as 24 hours. 

Sources

DailyMed, ADDERALL- dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate tablet, Sept. 2323, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f22635fe-821d-4cde-aa12-419f8b53db81

DailyMed, MEDICATION GUIDE, ADHANSIA (ad han’ see ah) XR (methylphenidate hydrochloride)

extended-release capsules, CII, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/medguide.cfm?setid=80e15bd0-4d56-75f0-ab5a-885879fc56e9

DailyMed, METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE capsule, extended release, Aug. 2021, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ecbb4a30-21ac-42e1-b4e9-6c35344ffc45

DailyMed, MEDICATION GUIDE, Methylphenidate Hydrochloride (meth” il fen” i date hye” droe klor’ ide) Extended-Release Capsules (CD) CII, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/medguide.cfm?setid=b7941137-6f70-4501-9428-de726b3e7ae8

Drugs.com,Methylphenidate, Jan. 2023, https://www.drugs.com/methylphenidate.html

Drugs.com, Adderall, Aug. 2023, https://www.drugs.com/adderall.html

Drugs.com, Adderall XR, Sept. 2023, https://www.drugs.com/mtm/adderall-xr.html