amphetamine/dextroamphetamine vs methylphenidate
PlainMeds reviewed this comparison against our methodology in August 2026. It places FDA and CMS record fields side by side, without recommending either medication.
Side-by-side comparison of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
Adderall, Adderall XR
Ritalin, Concerta
Adderall XR is a stimulant medicine. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Methylphenidate extended-release capsules are a stimulant medicine. They are used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children ages 6 to 12.
Adderall XR treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and kids 6 years and older. ADHD can make it hard to focus, pay attention, and control impulsive behavior. This medicine can help improve focus and reduce impulsivity.
This medicine treats Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. ADHD can make it hard to focus, pay attention, and control impulsive behavior. This medicine can help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity.
Adderall XR works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. These substances affect attention and behavior. It helps to improve focus and reduce impulsive actions.
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It works by affecting chemicals in the brain that contribute to hyperactivity and impulsivity. The extended-release capsules release the medicine in two stages, providing both an immediate and a delayed effect.
- • Loss of appetite
- • Trouble sleeping
- • Stomach pain
- • Feeling emotional
- • Throwing up
- • Headache
- • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- • Upper abdominal pain
- • Decreased appetite
- • Loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Harm from different substances 2,100
- Misuse of medicine 1,661
- Death by suicide 796
- Taking too much medicine 437
- Heart stops 387
- Product Quality Issue 5,241
- Drug Administration Error 1,901
- Wrong Technique In Drug Usage Process 1,772
- Application Site Erythema 1,684
- Drug Dose Omission 1,478
Adderall XR has a high risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Misusing it can lead to overdose and death. Your doctor will check your risk before and during treatment. Store this medicine safely and do not give it to anyone else.
This medicine has a high potential for abuse and dependence. Your doctor will assess your risk before prescribing it and monitor you during treatment. Misuse of this medicine may cause sudden death or serious heart problems.
Adderall XR may harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Adderall XR.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if this medicine will harm your unborn baby. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take ADHD medicines during pregnancy.
Also Compare, Nearby Drugs
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How to Read This amphetamine/dextroamphetamine vs methylphenidate Comparison
amphetamine/dextroamphetamine is classified in the CNS Stimulant drug class, while methylphenidate sits within the CNS Stimulant class. Because both drugs share the same classification, they are often considered interchangeable in theory, but clinical outcomes rarely track that cleanly. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, amphetamine/dextroamphetamine has 5,381 submissions while methylphenidate has 12,076. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. No direct interaction between these two drugs is listed in our FDA-derived dataset, though co-prescription still warrants pharmacist review. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot represent individual circumstances. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This registry does not provide medical, treatment, substitution, or medication-change directions for amphetamine/dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate.
Registry boundary: This comparison displays source-record fields and does not provide individualized medical direction.