</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
adeline said:

Hi, I'd like to switch my ADHD med from Adderall to something that will give me less anxiety. Does anyone have experience with Concerta or Strattera? I know that the latter is a non-stimulant med, so maybe this would be the best option?

Thanks!
Jessie

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

HI Jessie!

In my experience - and from reading experiences of others - Adderall - especially the XR formulation - is the "smoothest" and produces less anxiety among the amphetamines. Concerta - which is just a new timed release forumlation of the active ingrediant in Ritalin (METHYLPHENIDATE) works differently than the amphetamines and is in it's own drug class. Concerta works by blocking reuptake of dopamine whereas amphetamines (Adderall &amp; Dexedrine) work by releasing stored norepinephrine &amp; dopamine in the presynaptic neuron. Anyway, it seems that Concerta has less sympathogenic effects, i.e.: effects on blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, etc., so one could assume that Concerta would produce less feelings of anxiety - especially the physical aspects.

Strattera started out being developed as an antidepressant - an SNRI (selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor) when the company changed it's mind and decided to market it for ADD/ADHD because they thought that it being non-stimulant/non-addictive potential that they'd make more money. However, since it's release, Strattera has shown to be a less than stellar medication - for ADD or depression. I've heard nothing but bad news from doctors and people who have taken it - saying it produces terrible side effects including anxiety, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, dry mouth, sexual side effects - among others. Now, this doesn't mean it doesn't work for some people.

--> Remember the Rx "Golden Rule": Everyone responds differently - so someone who doesn't have problems with anxeity on Adderall might with Concerta and visa versa.

But in general - I'd say that Concerta has the least chance of producing anxiety.

Hope this helps!!
Jerry :-)