Posted by alohashirt on November 28, 2005, at 22:13:12
In reply to Which is Safer: Adderall XR or Concerta?, posted by theo on November 28, 2005, at 17:06:36
> Which of these in standard/low doses is safer for long term use in terms of poop out, blood pressure, dopamine depletion and in general?
Here's a long answer:
Concerta has less effect on blood pressure, has a more sophisticated, smoother release mechanism. Methylphenidate, the underlying active substance doesn't produce tolerance as quikckly as amphetamines mot is it affected by food / orange juice, stomach PH, fatty breakfasts, etc. So generally safer and more consistent. Since it doesn't contain an amphetamine it has marginally less social stigma. Some people report that methylphenidate makes them feel more anxious than the amphetamines. I found it created a "stuck in a rut thinking pattern" that made it hard to context-switch quickly.
Adderall is arguably a "dirty medication" in that some of the amphetamine salts it contains are less effective on ADHD symptoms. I belive dexedrine is superior, smoother, has less blood pressure effect. Both dexedrine and Adderall sometime sseem to produce clearer thinking and less hyperfocus than methlyphenidate. They also can have a noticable euphoric effect and can make you "talkier." I'd recommend trying dexedrine spansules (long acting brand not generic) ahead of Adderall if your pdoc is open to it.
ANother medication worth considering is Focalin. This is basically 1/2 of methlyphenidate - only the isomer that has the positive effect which means that in theory a dose of 50% a Ritalin dose will produce the same benefits without the side effects. I find the new Focalin XR to be "sharper" than Concerta. Remember that dosage is individual. When I took 72mg of Concerta I knew someone who was taking 125mg and another friend who takes 18mg - we're all 200lb guys who don't drink or smoke.
What are you taking at present? Good luck!
poster:alohashirt
thread:583067
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051126/msgs/583175.html