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Evekeo vs Ritalin
Introduction
For patients dealing with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy, certain drugs that alter the concentrations of compounds in the brain linked to focus and alertness can help manage symptoms. Evekeo and Ritalin are two such medications commonly prescribed for these conditions. Both impact different neurotransmitters in the brain but have similar effects on improving concentration and reducing impulsivity in patients with ADHD. Evekeo is an amphetamine-based stimulant, affecting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, whereas Ritalin is classified as a methylphenidate-based stimulant primarily impacting levels of dopamine by blocking its reuptake into neurons.
Evekeo vs Ritalin Side By Side
| Attribute | Evekeo | Ritalin |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Evekeo | Ritalin |
| Contraindications | Worsening symptoms of anxiety, taking or have taken MAO inhibitors within the last 2 weeks. | Worsening symptoms of anxiety, taking or have taken MAO inhibitors within the last 2 weeks. |
| Cost | For brand name: around $400 for 60 tablets of 5 mg. For generic (amphetamine sulfate): ranges from $0.90 to $1.80 per day. | For brand name: around $75 for 30 tablets of 10 mg. For generic (methylphenidate): starts from just over ten cents per day to about one dollar per day. |
| Generic Name | Amphetamine Sulfate | Methylphenidate |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Signs of psychosis, severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, low sodium levels, unexplained wounds on fingers or toes. | Signs of allergic reactions, severe skin reaction, hallucinations, new behavior problems, heart-related issues, increased blood pressure. |
| Severe Drug Interactions | MAO inhibitors. | MAO inhibitors. |
| Typical Dose | 2.5–40 mg/day, divided into two or three doses. | 5–20 mg/day, divided into two or three doses. |
What is Evekeo?
Amphetamine sulfate (the generic name for Evekeo) was one of the initial stimulant medications employed for conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy. This medication is a racemic blend of different amphetamines, which implies it affects the central nervous system in various ways to increase attention span and decrease impulsivity. Similarly, Methylphenidate (the generic name for Ritalin) also serves as a central nervous system stimulant predominantly used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It was first approved by the FDA in 1955; thus, it has been around longer than Evekeo. Both drugs work by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters in your brain that help with focus, attention, and impulse control. However, while both are effective at treating symptoms of ADHD, they have differing influences on neurotransmitters: Ritalin primarily increases dopamine concentrations whereas Evekeo impacts both dopamine and norepinephrine levels equally well. Because of this difference in action mechanism between them might result in variations regarding their side effects profile.
What conditions is Evekeo approved to treat?
Evekeo is approved for the treatment of different variations of attention and activity disorders:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in pediatric patients 3 years and older
- Narcolepsy, a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep
- Short-term treatment of obesity, along with a regimen of diet reduction based on caloric restriction.
How does Evekeo help with these illnesses?
Evekeo helps to manage symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine available in the synapses of the brain. It does this by promoting their release from neurons, so levels can be maintained higher for longer periods of time. Dopamine and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that play a crucial role in attention, motivation, pleasure sensation and movement amongst other things. Individuals with ADHD have been found to have relatively lower levels of these neurotransmitters in certain areas of the brain. Therefore, by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels, Evekeo can help limit the negative effects associated with ADHD such as lack of focus or impulsivity thus enabling patients better manage their condition.
What is Ritalin?
Ritalin is the brand name for methylphenidate, a central nervous system stimulant that enhances dopamine and norepinephrine activity in the brain by blocking their reuptake. Methylphenidate has been approved by the FDA since 1955 for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Unlike Evekeo, which contains amphetamine salts and also boosts neurotransmitter levels but with potential higher risk of dependency, Ritalin is not an amphetamine-based drug. This distinction means Ritalin's side-effect profile differs from that of drugs like Evekeo - it doesn't typically cause as much appetite suppression or have as high a likelihood of causing jitteriness or anxiety. The impact on dopamine and norepinephrine can be especially advantageous for managing ADHD symptoms, particularly in patients who may not respond well to standard amphetamine-based medications such as Evekeo.
What conditions is Ritalin approved to treat?
Ritalin is a well-known medication that has been approved by the FDA for treating:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Narcolepsy, an uncontrollable desire to sleep or sudden attacks of deep sleep
How does Ritalin help with these illnesses?
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays major roles in reward and motivation behavior, attention, memory, mood and sleep. It's critical for our ability to think and plan. Just as low levels of dopamine have been associated with ADHD. Ritalin works by increasing the availability of dopamine in the brain thus helping to manage some symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity, impulsiveness and lack of focus. At the same time, its action on norepinephrine may also contribute to its therapeutic effects. Since it doesn't significantly affect serotonin levels, it is often prescribed when patients do not respond well to Evekeo or other amphetamine-based stimulants used for treatment of ADHD.
How effective are both Evekeo and Ritalin?
Both amphetamine sulfate (Evekeo) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) have established histories of success in treating patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and they were initially approved by the FDA several decades ago. Since they act on different neurotransmitters, they may be prescribed under different circumstances. The effectiveness of amphetamine sulfate and methylphenidate in managing ADHD symptoms was directly studied in various clinical trials; both drugs exhibited similar efficacy as well as promising safety profiles.
A 1999 review demonstrated that Evekeo is effective at alleviating symptoms of ADHD shortly after treatment commences, its side effect profile is comparable to many other stimulants used for ADHD, and it is generally well-tolerated in child and adult populations. This review also reports that Evekeo has become a commonly-prescribed drug for ADHD management due to its rapid onset of action.
A 2018 meta-analysis indicated that Ritalin seems to be more effective than placebo in treating ADHD, demonstrating similar efficacy to other common stimulants. Nonetheless, while Ritalin remains one of the first-line treatments for ADHD, significant research involving its use co-prescribed alongside non-stimulant medication or behavioral therapy has suggested robust improvement across multiple domains affected by ADHD including social function and academic performance. Despite this evidence supporting Ritalin's comprehensive impact on symptom control compared to standalone treatment strategies, careful physician supervision is needed due to potential side effects such as appetite suppression or sleep disturbances.
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At what dose is Evekeo typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Evekeo range from 2.5–40 mg/day, divided into two or three doses. The initial dose is commonly 5 mg once or twice daily and may be increased by 5 mg at weekly intervals until the desired response is achieved. On the other hand, Ritalin dosage usually starts with 10-60mg/day in divided doses, but studies indicate that a starting dose of around 20mg per day can help manage ADHD symptoms in most individuals. For either drug, children might start at a lower dosage and then gradually increase if necessary based on their doctor's recommendation. Regardless of age group or medication choice between Evekeo and Ritalin, caution should always be taken to not exceed the maximum recommended daily dosage.
At what dose is Ritalin typically prescribed?
Ritalin therapy typically commences with a daily dosage of 5–20 mg, which can be divided into two or three doses administered approximately 4-6 hours apart. This dose may then be increased by your healthcare provider to a maximum daily dose of up to 60 mg if necessary, depending on the individual response and tolerability. The total day's dosage is usually split into separate intakes, taken before meals for optimal absorption. A clinical assessment should take place after several weeks; if there isn't any noticeable improvement in symptoms at this time, alternative treatments might need to be evaluated.
What are the most common side effects for Evekeo?
Common side effects of Evekeo can include:
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep)
- Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- Headache
- Changes in sex drive or ability
- Dry mouth, unpleasant taste
- Diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain
- Weight loss or changes in appetite
- Sweating
On the other hand, Ritalin's side effects may consist of:
- Nervousness and anxiety
- Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
- Decreased appetite which could lead to weight loss over time.
- Upset stomach including nausea and vomiting.
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
It is important to remember that everyone's experience with medications will be different because individual bodies react differently. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about medication side effects.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Evekeo?
Evekeo, like Ritalin, is a stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although it's generally safe and effective, some people may experience serious side effects. These include:
- Feeling agitated or having mood swings
- Signs of allergic reaction such as hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
- Changes in vision including blurred vision or seeing halos around lights
- Increased heart rate or palpitations and feeling short of breath
- Severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath followed by fainting -Low sodium levels - symptoms can include headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting fast or pounding heartbeats -Signs of psychosis - hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real), new behavior problems, aggression hostility paranoia agitation increased restlessness hyperactivity mental physical changes unusual thoughts behavior including suicidal thoughts attempts unexplained wounds appearing on fingers toes numbness cold feeling hands feet skin color changes from pale to blue purple trouble breathing.
These side effects are rare but if you experience any one them seek immediate medical attention.
What are the most common side effects for Ritalin?
While both Evekeo and Ritalin are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the side effect profiles differ somewhat. Common side effects of Ritalin include:
- Dry mouth, throat irritation
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Increased heart rate
- Digestive issues such as nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite or constipation
- Headaches and dizziness
- Weight loss due to suppressed appetite
- Blurred vision
- Sweating In rare cases, more serious side effects like confusion, agitation and rash may appear. Furthermore, prolonged use can also lead to increased urination and potential muscle or joint pain. As always with medication choices, it's important to balance the benefits against these potential adverse reactions when considering Ritalin for treatment.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Ritalin?
While Ritalin is a commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, it can have serious side effects in some cases. These may include:
- Signs of allergic reactions such as hives, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling in your face or throat
- A skin reaction that could be severe: burning eyes, skin pain followed by red or purple rash causing blistering and peeling
- Experiencing hallucinations (seeing or hearing things not real), new behavior problems, aggression, hostility, paranoia
- Heart-related issues like chest pain, trouble breathing; feeling like you might pass out; fast heartbeat or palpitations
- Increased blood pressure - severe headache blurred vision pounding in the neck/ears nosebleed anxiety confusion
- Unusual changes in mood and behavior including feelings of extreme happiness/sadness/extreme irritability.
If you notice any of these symptoms while taking Ritalin consult your healthcare provider immediately.
Contraindications for Evekeo and Ritalin?
Both Evekeo and Ritalin, along with most other stimulant medications, may worsen symptoms of anxiety in some people. If you notice your anxiety worsening or an increase in restlessness, racing thoughts, or panic attacks, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Evekeo nor Ritalin can be taken if you are taking or have been taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (MAOIs). Always tell your physician which medications you are currently on; MAOIs will require a period of about 2 weeks to clear from the system to prevent dangerous interactions with Evekeo and Ritalin. Furthermore, both these medications should be used cautiously due to their potential for abuse and dependency.
How much do Evekeo and Ritalin cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 60 tablets of Evekeo (5 mg) averages around $400, which works out to about $13-$27/day, depending on your dose.
- The price of 30 tablets of Ritalin (10 mg) averages around $75, working out to approximately $2.50/day.
Thus, if you are in the higher dosage range for Evekeo (i.e., 20 mg/day or higher), then brand-name Ritalin is less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. Please note that cost should not be a primary consideration in determining which of these drugs is right for you.
For the generic versions of Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate) and Ritalin (methylphenidate), costs are significantly lower:
-
Amphetamine sulfate (5 mg tablets) is available in packs from 30 capsules upwards with approximate costs ranging from $0.90 to $1.80 per day at dosages between 5mg and up to 40mg daily.
-
Methylphenidate is available in packs starting from as low as 15 up to several hundreds (10 mg), with the cost starting from just over ten cents per day when buying larger quantities upfront and usually does not exceeding about one dollar per day even for typical doses between above average quantities such as twice daily use.
Popularity of Evekeo and Ritalin
Evekeo, a brand-name version of the generic amphetamine sulfate, was prescribed to roughly 50,000 people in the United States during 2020. Evekeo is mainly used as treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and represents about 1% of all ADHD medication prescriptions. Although not as commonly utilized as other ADHD medications, it has gained some traction over the past few years due to its dual action mechanism that affects both dopamine and norepinephrine.
Ritalin, on the other hand, also known by its generic name methylphenidate, was prescribed to nearly six million people in America in 2020. In terms of overall ADHD medication prescriptions within the U.S., Ritalin accounts for approximately 18%. This makes it one of the most-prescribed drugs within this category. The prescription volume for Ritalin has remained relatively steady over time but with slight fluctuations based on changes in diagnosis rates and prescribing practices.
Conclusion
Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are both widely used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They have been shown to be more effective than placebo treatments in numerous clinical studies and meta-analyses. In certain instances, these drugs may be used together, but this should only occur under the careful supervision of a medical professional due to potential negative interactions. Their mechanisms of action differ as Evekeo affects multiple neurotransmitters including dopamine and norepinephrine, while Ritalin primarily impacts dopamine.
Evekeo is often considered when short-acting medications are needed due to its shorter duration of action compared with Ritalin. Conversely, Ritalin is usually prescribed for those requiring longer-lasting symptom control or if patients do not respond well to amphetamines like Evekeo.
Both drugs can be obtained in generic form which could result in substantial cost savings especially for individuals who pay out-of-pocket. The effects might not become evident immediately after starting either drug - an adjustment period may be required.
Side effects between the two medications are similar; they're generally tolerated well although some people might experience decreased appetite or sleep difficulties. Importantly, close monitoring by patients themselves or caregivers is crucial when beginning therapy on either medication; immediate medical help must be sought if there's any worsening of symptoms or emergence of suicidal thoughts.
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Refrences
- Prommer, E. (2011, December 4). Methylphenidate. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®. SAGE Publications.http://doi.org/10.1177/1049909111427029
- Giorgi, O., Piras, G., Lecca, D., & Corda, M. G. (2005, January). Differential activation of dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens core and shell after acute or repeated amphetamine injections: A comparative study in the Roman high- and low-avoidance rat lines. Neuroscience. Elsevier BV.http://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.06.075