It has been reported that almost 10% of all school-age going children are affected by ADHD. Also, boys are almost three times more likely to be affected by it. Children who have this disorder are hyperactive and have trouble focusing on the task at hand. If you have been told that your child has this disorder you may have been told about the different medications that are available for treatment. Two psychotropic or psycho-stimulant medications are commonly used to treat this condition. The FDA has warned that stimulants can cause sudden death in children and adolescents who have serious congenital heart defects. These two drugs are called Concerta and Adderall. If you or your child has been prescribed one of these medications you may be interested in Concerta and Adderall’s side effects. Adults who have ADHD are also prescribed Concerta or Adderall just like children who have ADHD.
Concerta and Adderall’s side effects are a great concern for worried parents of children who have been diagnosed with ADHD as well as adults who take these prescription drugs. Both Concerta and Adderall are classified as psycho-stimulants. Concerta affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that are known to contribute to hyperactivity and involve impulse control Adderall which stops areas of the brain that are responsible for organizing thoughts. Concerta is actually another form of Ritalin.
Concerta, an extended release form of Ritalin, was introduced on the market in the year 2000. Adderall was introduced on the market in 1996. So Adderall has been in use a few years longer than Concerta. Both medications only need to be taken once a day. In 2005 the FDA started warning doctors and parents about serious side effects of taking Concerta. Concerta is an extended release psycho-stimulant medication. Some of the physical side effects that are connected with Concerta include insomnia, allergic reactions, tics and nervousness, loss of appetite, high blood pressure and hallucinations and siezures. Some psychological affects connected with Concerta are suicidal thoughts and aggressive behavior. In fact, Concerta has been identified as one of the worst psycho-stimulant medications on the market for hallucinations and suicidal tendencies. Adderall has not been shown to increase suicidal thoughts. If there is a family history of Tourett’s syndrome or tics that run in the family, the child should not take Concerta or Adderall.
Both Concerta and Adderall are addictive if they are abused. However when both are used as prescribed there is very little fear of addiction involved. Both are stimulants, but only Adderall contains 4 amphetamine compounds. Concerta is classified as methylphenidates. Adderall is classified as dextroamphetamines.
Both Concerta and Adderall are often used by college students as a recreational drugs and to help them get more done as far as their college studies go. Adderall is also used by some as a weight loss aid. Adderall has all of the potential side effects as other amphetamines. These can include amphetamine psychosis, paranoia, delusions and hallucinations. High blood pressure, strokes, insomnia, depression, loss of motor control, diarrhea, constipation and other gastrointestinal problems have been associated with the use of Adderall. Small doses of this medication can cause headaches and the jitters as well. Tourettes Syndrome is also associated with the use of Adderall.
People who are taking anti-depressants that are a classified as MAOIs should not take Concerta or Adderall without consulting their doctor. Serious side effects or death may occur. Both of these medications are similar. When comparing Concerta and Adderall as far as effectiveness in treating ADHD symptoms go, the results will depend on the person taking it and how the particular medication affects their condition. Only your doctor can determine benefits of taking Concerta or Adderall for you.
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