Long-Acting vs Immediate-Release Stimulants at a Glance
Based on U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Adderall XR Prescribing Information
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How long-acting stimulants such as Vyvanse, Adderall XR and Concerta differ from immediate-release Adderall and Ritalin, and why we prescribe long-acting only.
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In this guide
Immediate-Release
- Acts in about 30 minutes
- Wears off in about four hours
- Taken two or three times a day
Long-Acting Examples
- Vyvanse, a slow-converting prodrug
- Adderall XR and Focalin XR beads
- Concerta osmotic tablet
The Benefits
- No mid-day gaps
- Less rebound irritability
- Easier to take consistently
What the guideline says
- When stimulant medication is clinically appropriate for ADHD, our providers prescribe long-acting stimulants only, not immediate-release stimulants.
- Immediate-release stimulants such as Adderall IR and Ritalin act within about 30 minutes and wear off in about four hours, so they are taken two or three times a day.
- Long-acting stimulants release medicine gradually through the day from one morning dose.
- Long-acting options include lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), extended-release mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall XR), extended-release methylphenidate (Concerta) and dexmethylphenidate XR (Focalin XR).
- Long-acting stimulants give steadier symptom control, fewer peaks and crashes, one dose a day and a lower potential for misuse.
- If you have not had a formal ADHD evaluation or testing before, ADHD testing is required before treatment can begin.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Adderall XR Prescribing Information
Read the full article: Why We Prescribe Only Long-Acting ADHD Stimulants, Never Immediate-Release →
This guide is general health information and does not replace advice from your own provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because the medicine is released slowly rather than all at once, long-acting stimulants have a lower potential for misuse.
If you have not had a formal ADHD evaluation or testing before, ADHD testing is required before treatment can begin.
That depends on your response and side effects. Your provider can help you weigh the long-acting options, such as Vyvanse, Adderall XR, Concerta and Focalin XR.