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Compare Concerta vs. Ritalin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Concerta and Ritalin have the same active ingredient methylphenidate and are both first-choice medications for treating ADHD, but they have several differences. Concerta is an extended-release formulation of methylphenidate that is typically taken once daily and can start working within 2 hours and lasts throughout the day. On the other hand, Ritalin is an immediate-releas formulation of methylphenidate that is taken 2 to 3 times daily. It starts working within 1 hour but only lasts 2 to 4 hours. Concerta might be more convenient with its once-daily dosing, but both require careful monitoring due to their potential for misuse and side effects.Both medications come in various dosage forms, including tablets, chewable capsules and oral liquids. Side effects like trouble sleeping and loss of appetite are common with both medication.

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  • Methylphenidate er
    Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
  • Methylphenidate er
    Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

  • Summary of Concerta vs. Ritalin

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Methylphenidate extended-release (ER) is a first-choice option for people with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This once-daily medication can start to work within 2 hours and can last throughout the day. Methylphenidate ER can cause difficulty sleeping and a loss of appetite. It also has a potential risk of misuse and dependency and is thus a controlled substance.

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) is a stimulant medication that's used for treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness) in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It works by raising the levels of certain chemicals in your brain to keep you focused and awake. The dosage is typically 2 to 3 times per day because it's an immediate-release form of methylphenidate. Side effects of this medication include low appetite, nervousness, and trouble sleeping.

  • Indications of Concerta vs. Ritalin

    Indications for
    •Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

  • Pros and Cons of Concerta vs. Ritalin

    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •First-choice medication for ADHD
    •Taken only once per day
    •Available in many different forms (e.g., pills, chewable tablet, liquid)
    •Some brands available in lower-cost generic form
    •Can be prescribed for children as young as 6 years old
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependency
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
    •Dose needs to be raised and lowered slowly to avoid bothersome side effects like distress and trouble sleeping
    •Not the best choice for pregnant or breastfeeding females or people with heart conditions
    •Can interact with certain blood pressure medications and depression medications
    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •First-choice medication to treat ADHD in adults and children.
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available as an oral tablet, chewable tablet, and liquid
    Cons
    •Is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse and dependence
    •Shouldn't stop taking this medication suddenly without talking to your provider first because of greater risk for mood changes
    •Can negatively affect growth in children

  • Common Side Effects of Concerta vs. Ritalin

    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects might differ depending on the formulation and brand. In general:

    •Headache
    •Low appetite
    •Stomach pain
    •Trouble sleeping
    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects might differ depending on the formulation. In general:

    •Headache
    •Anxiety
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Weight loss

  • Warnings of Concerta vs. Ritalin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Misuse and dependence
    •Serious heart problems
    •Changes in behavior or thoughts
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Blood circulation problem (Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drug interactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Misuse and dependence
    •Serious heart problems
    •Changes in behavior or thoughts
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Blood circulation problem (Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drug interactions
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only

  • Prices with our coupons for Concerta vs. Ritalin

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