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.

Is an Adhansia alternative right for your ADHD symptoms?
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In 24 hours or less, Klarity Health 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 Health 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

	Adhansia and methylphenidate hydrochloride	Adderall
Drug class	Schedule II stimulant	Schedule II stimulant
Brand/generic status	Methylphenidate hydrochloride (brand name Ahdansia is discontinued)	Brand name for amphetamine salts
Forms	Extended-release capsules	Immediate-release tabletsExtended-release capsules
Standard dosage	Extended-release capsules: 10 mg20 mg30 mg40 mg50 mg60 mg	Immediate-release tablets5 mg7.5 mg10 mg12.5 mg15 mg20 mg30 mg
Conditions treated	FDA-approved uses: ADHD No off-label uses	FDA-approved uses:ADHDNarcolepsy Off-label uses: DepressionAnxietyBipolar disorder
Cost	10 milligrams methylphenidate hydrochloride 30/70 release cost $2.79 a pill/ $278.89 for 100 pills40/60 release $6.20–$8.18 a pill/ $558.02–$736.56 for 90 capsules50/50 release $3.53 capsule/ $353.05 for 90 pills Prices are according to drugs.com as of the date of publication	Brand-name Adderall: From $759.54 for 100 extended release capsulesFrom $1,138.63 for a 100 oral tablets Generic amphetamine salts: From $24.24 for 100 5 mg oral tabletsFrom $52.39 for 100 5 mg extended release capsules
Side effects	Common side effects: Anorexia Trouble sleeping Dry mouthDecreased appetite Decreased weight Serious side effects: Painful and prolonged erections Circulation problems in fingers and toes Slowed of growth (height and weight) in childrenNew or worsening psychotic and bipolar issues	Common side-effects: Stomach acheDecreased appetiteNervousnessDry mouthLoss of appetiteTrouble sleepingHeadacheWeight lossNauseaAnxietyAgitationDizzinessFast heartbeatDiarrheaweaknessUrinary tract infections (UTIs) Serious side effects: Slowed of growth (height and weight) in childrenCirculation problems in fingers and toes SeizuresNew or worsening tics or worsening Tourette’s SyndromeSerotonin syndrome
Warnings	Contraindicated conditions: Pregnancy or breastfeeding Drug interactions: MAOIsBlood pressure medicationMAOIs	Contraindicated conditions: Substance abuse Warnings: May be habit-formingEffectiveness may decrease over time Drug interactions: MAOIsSSRIs

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 Health and discover the right ADHD medication

With Klarity Health, 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, if any, 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
How we reviewed this article: This article went through rigorous fact-checking by a team of medical reviewers. Reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the author. Learn more about the editorial and medical review process and standards for the HelloKlarity site.

*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.

If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.