Elvanse vs Concerta XL: what is the difference?

Not quite. Both are stimulants, and both increase the dopamine and noradrenaline available in the parts of your brain that ADHD affects. They do it in slightly different ways.

Both medicines slow down how quickly your brain cells take dopamine and noradrenaline back in (recycle them), so more stays active between the cells and levels build up. Elvanse goes one step further: the dexamfetamine it becomes also pushes the cells to release more dopamine and noradrenaline.

This is why one stimulant can suit you when another has not. If a methylphenidate medicine such as Concerta XL has not helped enough or has not agreed with you, your prescriber may still suggest Elvanse, and the other way round. In one review, about 45% of people responded equally well to either type, 28% did better on methylphenidate, 17% on an amfetamine such as dexamfetamine, and about 10% on neither.

For adults, methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine are both first-choice options in NICE guidance. Your prescriber considers your health, previous treatment, daily routine and preferences.

For children and young people, methylphenidate is usually offered first. Lisdexamfetamine may be considered when an adequate methylphenidate trial has not helped enough. The exact product licence and the child’s age also matter.

Both can affect appetite, sleep, mood, pulse and blood pressure. You may tolerate one better than the other, but the medicine’s name cannot predict your experience.

Compare useful changes in daily life alongside unwanted effects. A medicine that lasts longer is not automatically a better fit if it disrupts sleep or eating. See Elvanse side effects and prolonged-release tablet side effects.

Your prescriber sets the starting dose and the switching plan. Do not use the number on one pack to choose the dose of the other medicine.

Bring a short record of when treatment helps, when difficulties return and any side effects. Agree when the new treatment will be reviewed.