Drug Comparison
For educational purposes only — a decision-support tool, not a substitute for clinical judgment.
Side-by-side rubric across 96 psychiatric medications. Every rating traces to a verbatim primary-source quote — click any cell to see it.
How to read this tool ▾
Rating scale
– Favorable / lower than class baseline
± Minimal / equivocal
+ Low / uncommon
++ Moderate / common
+++ High / very common
++++ Very high / class-outlier
Frequency vs severity
F = frequency, S = severity. Each gets its own pill colored on the same traffic-light scale: green → blue → yellow → orange → red. Click any cell for incidence percentages and NNH.
Evidence tier
A Network meta-analysis / RCT / FDA label
B Cohort / registry / pooled label data
C Expert review / textbook / case series
Sourcing
Click any cell to see the verbatim source quote and citation. Missing data shows n/a.
Data depth
++ Graded — frequency + severity, primary-source traces
+ FDA label — §6 frequency only (dashed border). Click for sub-types.
Blank — not yet checked (not “absent”)
–±++++++++++ABCF = frequency · S = severity · Dashed border = FDA label only · Click cell for details
1 drug selected — Methylphenidate(click to collapse)
1/4 selected
Methylphenidate
Concerta · Methylin
CNS Stimulant (Methylphenidate-based) · C-II
FDA-approved indications
- ADHD (adults; pediatric 6+)
- Narcolepsy (adults; IR/ER formulations)
Off-label uses
- Narcolepsy
- Treatment-resistant depression (augmentation)
- Apathy in dementia
MechanismCentral Nervous System Stimulant
Half-life3 to 4 hours (d-methylphenidate)
Decision GuideWhen to pick each / when to consider an alternative
Methylphenidate
Consider when
- First-line ADHD treatment in children ≥6 — FDA-approved; APA/AAP-recommended alongside amphetamines as co-first-line
- Extensive formulation flexibility needed — IR, ER (Concerta, Ritalin LA), transdermal (Daytrana), liquid, chewable options
- Stimulant trial with lower abuse potential preferred — Schedule II but shorter duration may reduce diversion; transdermal patch option
- Comorbid tics — may be better tolerated than amphetamines in patients with tic disorders (MTA, PATS data)
- +1 more
Consider an alternative when
- Maximum efficacy is the priority — amphetamines show modestly larger effect sizes than methylphenidate in meta-analyses for adults
- Cardiovascular disease — class warning for sudden death, stroke, MI; baseline cardiac evaluation required
- Active substance use disorder — Schedule II controlled substance; abuse potential; non-stimulants may be safer
- Severe anxiety comorbidity — may worsen anxiety symptoms; atomoxetine or guanfacine may be preferred
- +1 more
| Axis | Methylphenidate stimulant |
|---|---|
| Boxed Warnings | |
Mania / hypomania induction | |
Abuse / addiction liability | |
| CNS | |
Activation / insomnia | |
Seizure risk | |
Tics / Tourette's exacerbation | |
| Metabolic | |
Appetite suppression / anorexia | |
| Pediatric | |
Growth suppression (pediatric) | |
| Autonomic | |
Sweating | |
| Cardiac | |
Serious CV / sudden death (ADHD labeled axis) | |
Blood pressure elevation | |
Heart rate / tachycardia | |
| Vascular | |
Peripheral vasculopathy / Raynaud's | |
| GI | |
Nausea / GI (general) | |
| Local | |
Application/injection-site reactions | |
| GU | |
Priapism | |
| Discontinuation | |
Withdrawal / discontinuation | |
| Interactions | |
MAOI co-administration contraindication | |
CYP interactions / DDI profile | |
| Safety | |
Overdose toxicity | |
| Pregnancy | |
Lactation / breastfeeding safety | |