Aptensio XR vs Concerta – detailed comparison:
Aptensio XR
It is the brand name of a drug called methylphenidate hydrochloride, a central nervous system stimulant.
It contains the same active ingredient as Daytrana and Ritalin.
This central nervous system stimulant works by affecting some parts of the brain and central nervous system that control hyperactivity and impulses.
Inactive ingredients – hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, sugar spheres, ammonio methacrylate copolymer, talc, gelatin, methacrylic acid copolymer, colloidal silicon dioxide, and titanium oxide.
Uses
This central nervous system stimulant is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder, and narcolepsy.
Administration of this medication results in a biphasic pattern of methylphenidate plasma concentration with an initial peak at 2 hours postdose, slowly declining concentration over the next 4-6 hours, and a secondary peak approximately 8 hours postdose with slowly declining concentration thereafter.
Dosage
It comes in capsule form and is available in 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 mg doses.
The usual recommended dose for patients 6 years and above is 10 mg once a day in the morning.
Important note – it is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.
Contraindications
Do not use this central nervous system stimulant if you have used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor in the past 14 days, including – linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, methylene blue injection, isocarboxazid, rasagiline, or tranylcypromine.
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- weight loss;
- headaches;
- fast heart rate;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- loss of appetite;
- stomach pain;
- increased blood pressure;
- feeling nervous or irritable;
- mood changes;
- nausea.
Less common side effects may include:
- unexplained wounds;
- penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer;
- cold feeling;
- a feeling like you might pass out;
- aggression;
- changes in your vision;
- hostility;
- trouble breathing;
- paranoia;
- muscle twitches;
- seeing or hearing things that are not real;
- chest pain;
- a seizure (convulsions);
- skin color changes in your fingers or toes.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
It is not exactly known whether this medication will harm a developing fetus. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant before taking this medication.
It is not known exactly whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could negatively affect a nursing infant. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding an infant before taking this medication.
Drug Interactions
It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:
- aripiprazole;
- clonazepam;
- BuSpar (buspirone);
- Abilify (aripiprazole);
- cyclobenzaprine;
- hydroxyzine;
- temazepam;
- adapalene topical;
- lamotrigine;
- gabapentin;
- metadate xr;
- losartan;
- Adderall XR (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine);
- doxycycline;
- sertraline;
- trazodone;
- alprazolam;
- venlafaxine;
- Trintellix (vortioxetine);
- melatonin.
Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication since alcohol use may cause methylphenidate to be released into the bloodstream too fast.
Abuse
Central nervous system stimulants have a high potential for abuse. Symptoms of abuse include:
- tremors;
- abdominal pain;
- restlessness;
- vomiting;
- increased blood pressure;
- increased heart rate;
- excessive sweating;
- flushed skin;
- dilated pupils;
- increased respiratory rate;
- hyperactivity;
- loss of coordination;
- insomnia;
- decreased appetite.
Concerta
It is the brand name of a drug called methylphenidate, which belongs to a group of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants.
This medication works by changing the amount of natural substances in the brain to decrease hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Uses
This prescription medication is typically used to treat attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and narcolepsy.
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Dosage
For adults, the usual recommended dose is 18 mg to 72 mg per day. For adolescents, the usual recommended dose is 18 mg to 72 mg per day. For children, the usual recommended dose is 18 mg to 54 mg per day.
Note – this medication should be taken 30 to 45 minutes before a meal.
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- weight loss;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- stomach pain;
- feeling nervous or irritable;
- headaches;
- nausea;
- mood changes;
- loss of appetite;
- increased blood pressure;
- fast heart rate.
Less common side effects may include:
- paranoia;
- chest pain;
- hostility;
- a feeling like you might pass out;
- skin color changes in the fingers or toes;
- unexplained wounds;
- trouble breathing;
- a seizure (convulsions);
- muscle twitches;
- aggression;
- numbness;
- new behavior problems;
- changes in your vision;
- hallucinations;
- penis erection that is painful;
- cold feeling;
- pain.
Contraindications
You should not use this medication if you have:
- severe anxiety;
- Tourette’s syndrome;
- a personal history of muscle twitches;
- glaucoma.
Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication since alcohol use may cause methylphenidate to be released into the bloodstream too fast.
READ MORE: Previfem vs Sprintec
Drug Interactions
It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:
- aripiprazole;
- clonazepam;
- BuSpar (buspirone);
- Abilify (aripiprazole);
- cyclobenzaprine;
- hydroxyzine;
- temazepam;
- adapalene topical;
- lamotrigine;
- gabapentin;
- losartan;
- Adderall XR (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine);
- doxycycline;
- vyvanse;
- sertraline;
- trazodone;
- alprazolam;
- venlafaxine;
- Trintellix (vortioxetine);
- melatonin.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
It is not known exactly whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could negatively affect a nursing infant. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding an infant before taking this medication.
It is not exactly known whether this medication will harm a developing fetus. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant before taking this medication.
READ MORE: Mononessa vs Sprintec
Bottom Line – Aptensio XR vs Concerta
Aptensio (active ingredient – methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder, and narcolepsy. This medication works by affecting chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.
After intake, about 40% of the active ingredient is delivered immediately. The other 60% is delivered slowly through the rest of the day.
Concerta (active ingredient – methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder, and narcolepsy. This medication works by affecting the chemicals in the brain and nerves, which contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. It has a duration of action of 10-12 hours.
READ THIS NEXT: Dexmethylphenidate vs Methylphenidate
References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15458569 http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1087054710367880?journalCode=jada https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11389303