Ritalin vs Concerta

Comparing Concerta and Ritalin – which is better?

Concerta and Ritalin are both stimulant medications used for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) treatment. They contain exactly the same active ingredient – Methylphenidate.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of medications, known as the central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. It works by altering the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain.

Both Concerta and Ritalin stimulate the central nervous system (CNS or brain) in a similar manner, however they work in different ways.

Determining which is better between the two is a difficult task. The results may vary from individual to individual.

Some ADHD patients respond better to Concerta, while some respond better to Ritalin. In some cases, patients respond in the same manner to both these ADHD medications.

Basic Difference:

The only difference is that Ritalin is just a standard tablet, while Concerta is a specially formulated capsule which slowly releases methylphenidate, over an extended period of time so the individual does not have to keep taking Ritalin frequently.

Concerta is the newer and long-acting preparation of methylphenidate. Its effect can last for up to 12 hours. It was developed using an amazing technology called OROS (osmotic-controlled release oral delivery system).

OROS utilizes the water in the gut to allow the medicine to be absorbed gradually, through the process of osmosis.

ADHD patients, who had to take Ritalin tablets 3 times daily, can now get the same dose of medication with just one capsule daily.

Switching to Concerta:

It is easy to switch from regular Ritalin to Concerta. You just need to take the total of your daily Ritalin dose and change it to the Concerta capsule that is closest to that dose.

For example, if you or your child is taking 5mg of Ritalin three times daily, the total dose is 15mg of Ritalin. You can change this to 18mg Concerta capsule.

Concerta is available in 27mg, 36mg, and 54mg pills to provide flexible dosing options. If you are unsure of the correct dosage, consult with your health care practitioner.

Are There Any Side Effects:

Both Concerta and Ritalin have certain common side effects, which are usually mild and limited to the first days or weeks of therapy.

Some of the common side effects are upper respiratory tract infection, abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, insomnia, increased cough, pharyngitis, dizziness, and sinusitis.

Adverse side effects can be explained by the stimulation of the autonomic nervous system. The activation of the sympathetic nervous system might cause a mild increase of the pulse.

Are These Medications Safe:

Concerta must be swallowed whole. It can't be chewed or crushed. Ritalin can be opened and sprinkled on food, if your child can't swallow pills.

Concerta is not suitable for everyone, especially for children with anxiety, tics, or Tourette's syndrome. However, it might be a good option for other children with ADHD.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast feeding, consult your health care practitioner before switching your medications.

For more information, read our articles Adderall vs Concerta, Ritalin vs Concerta, Adderall vs Vyvanse, and Adderall vs Strattera.