Get an appointment to talk with a provider about Concerta, Ritalin, or another ADHD medication in as little as 24 hours.
ADHD
16 min read
Written by Klarity Editorial Team
Published: May 21, 2024
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Zoe Russell
Finding the right ADHD medication can be challenging, especially when considering similar medications like Concerta and Ritalin. Although they share an active ingredient that effectively addresses the symptoms of ADHD, what’s the difference between Concerta vs Ritalin?
In this guide, we compare and contrast both medications, discuss how they work in the body, and common side effects and warnings. Read on for information to help you decide which medication may be right for you so you can discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
Find an ADHD specialist on Klarity who can answer your questions about ADHD treatment and medication and tailor a personalized treatment plan for you. Schedule an appointment today and be seen in as little as 24 hours.
Concerta | Ritalin | |
Drug class | Schedule II stimulant | Schedule II stimulant |
Generic name | Methylphenidate hydrochloride; no authorized generic equivalent exists | Methylphenidate and methylphenidate hydrochloride |
Form(s) | Extended-release tablet | Immediate-release and extended-release tablets |
Dosages | Extended-release tablets: 18 mg 27 mg 36 mg 54 mg 72 mg | Standard tablet dosages: 5 mg 10 mg 20 mg Extended-release capsules: 10 mg 20 mg 30 mg 40 mg |
Conditions treated | FDA-approved uses: ADHD Narcolepsy | FDA-approved uses: ADHD Off-label: Narcolepsy |
Cost | Brand-name: $1,368–1,572 for 100 capsules | Brand-name immediate-release: $97–189 for 100 tablets Extended-release: $1,338–1,406 for 100 capsules Generic immediate-release: $16–29 for 100 tablets Extended-release: $316–353 for 100 capsules |
Common side effects | Common side effects: Decreased appetite Headache Dry mouth Nausea Trouble sleeping Anxiety Dizziness Weight loss Irritability Increased sweating | Common side effects: Fast heartbeat Abnormal heartbeat (palpitations) Trouble sleeping Nervousness Sweating a lot Decreased appetite Dry mouth Nausea Stomach pain |
Concerta and Ritalin are similar medications containing the same active ingredient, methylphenidate. The only real differences in the medications are their delivery systems and available forms.
Concerta uses a unique delivery system known as the osmotically controlled release oral-delivery system (OROS). The OROS delivers different amounts of Concerta at different times.
Ritalin comes as an immediate-release tablet or oral solution and an extended-release (Ritalin LA) capsule delivery system. Immediate-release Ritalin delivers a full dose of medication when it’s taken and lasts for roughly 4 hours. It can be taken twice a day. The extended-release form uses a bimodal delivery system that provides peak concentrations of Ritalin every 4 hours from a single capsule. It’s taken once a day.
There used to be an OROS version of Ritalin called Ritalin SR (sustained release), but it was discontinued.
Because Concerta and Ritalin are so similar, talk with your healthcare provider about the best medication for you. They can assess which will work more effectively for your specific needs and symptoms.
Concerta (methylphenidate hydrochloride) is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant similar to ADHD medications like Daytrana (methylphenidate) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). Stimulants, compared to non-stimulants for ADHD, are controlled substances regulated by the U.S. federal government.
Concerta is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals. It’s U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder). It works by targeting the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain that affect focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity to control ADHD symptoms.
Concerta comes in 18-, 27-, 36-, 54-, and 72-milligram time-released capsules. It’s taken once a day and lasts 10 to 12 hours. Adults normally start with the 18-milligram dose and increase the doses until the desired therapeutic effect is achieved. The maximum dose is 72 milligrams.
An authorized generic form of Concerta used to be available but was discontinued in January 2023. Today, only the brand-name version is available. Other formulations claiming to be generic Concerta are sold but aren’t authorized as generic equivalents by the FDA and may not work as well as brand-name Concerta.
Without insurance, capsules of brand-name Concerta costs:
Costs are per drugs.com, reflect using the drugs.com discount card, and depend on your chosen pharmacy.
For accurate pricing information with a health insurance plan, contact your plan’s customer service team or call your preferred pharmacy.
Concerta, because of its unique delivery system, may not cause as many side effects as other, more direct delivery methods used in immediate-release ADHD medications like Ritalin and Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine).
Still, people taking Concerta have had side effects. The most common side effects for adults include:
Serious but less common side effects of Concerta include:
Concerta has a boxed warning, which is the FDA’s highest warning, due to the risk of abuse, misuse, and/or addiction. The risk of addiction is lower if you take Concerta as prescribed.
When used responsibly, Concerta is considered safe and effective for its intended purpose. It’s important to communicate any concerns or potential side effects to your healthcare provider.
You may have problems with Concerta if:
You should avoid Concerta or take it only while monitored by your healthcare provider because it can:
Track any symptoms and report them to your provider to make sure you benefit from taking Concerta while minimizing any potential risks.
Concerta may exacerbate certain conditions and react poorly with specific medications. For more information on Concerta’s warnings and drug interactions, refer to this medication’s accompanying literature and speak with an ADHD specialist who can explain the benefits and negatives of taking this medication.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a CNS stimulant that’s FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. It’s manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Like Concerta, Ritalin increases dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps with focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Ritalin comes in 2 forms: immediate-release and extended-release.
Immediate-release Ritalin tablets come in 5-, 10-, and 20-milligram doses. It can be taken 2 to 3 times a day.
Ritalin LA, the extended-release capsules, come in 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-milligram doses and are taken once a day. They last in your body for up to 10 hours.
Ritalin is FDA-approved to treat ADHD. It is also used off-label (to treat a condition it’s not approved for) for narcolepsy.
Brand-name immediate-release Ritalin costs between $97 and $189 for 100 tablets, depending on the dose, with a drugs.com discount card.
100 capsules of Ritalin LA extended-release costs from $1,338 to $1,406 with a drugs.com discount card.
A generic supply of Ritalin is less expensive. You can use a drugs.com discount card to get 100 immediate-release generic methylphenidate for between $16 and $29 or 100 50/50 release extended-release capsules for $316 to $353.
For accurate pricing with your health insurance plan, contact your plan’s customer service team or your chosen pharmacy.
Common side effects that have happened for people taking Ritalin include:
Serious but less common side effects of Ritalin Include:
Ritalin, like Concerta, is a schedule II stimulant and controlled substance and has a boxed warning for misuse, abuse, and addiction. The risk of dependency is lower when Ritalin is used as directed. Taking more than prescribed increases the chance of developing a physical or psychological addiction. Symptoms of dependency include drastic changes in weight, mood, sleep, and cardiovascular health, which may eventually become life-threatening.
Ritalin has the same risk for hypersensitivity reactions as Concerta and shouldn’t be used within 14 days of, or while, taking an MAOI.
Ritalin should also be used with caution if you:
Avoid Ritalin or have your provider monitor you while on Ritalin, because it can:
With Klarity, deciding between similar medications like Concerta and Ritalin can be hassle-free. Find a licensed and certified healthcare provider in your state who specializes in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. They can evaluate your medical history and prescribe the best medication for you.
Schedule an appointment with a licensed and certified provider today and get seen in as little as 24 hours.
Concerta is considered stronger than immediate-release Ritalin because of its extended-release delivery system, which offers longer-lasting symptom control than Ritalin’s immediate-release form. Ritalin LA (extended-release) and Concerta though are similarly effective and strong.
When taking Concerta or Ritalin:
Compared to immediate-release Ritalin, Concerta may have fewer side effects due to its extended-release delivery system. Side effects for Concerta and Ritalin LA are similar. But, Ritalin LA generally has fewer side effects than Concerta because its extended-release system is different. Regardless, side effects and their severity will vary from person to person.
Adderall is a combination of amphetamine salts whereas Ritalin and Concerta’s active ingredient is methylphenidate. Each works differently in the brain and has varying effects on individuals. Read more about Concerta vs Adderall or Ritalin vs Adderall.
Sources
Accountable Health Partners, Pharmacy Pearls: Methylphenidate Product Shortages, Jan. 2023, https://ahpnetwork.com/rxmethylphenidate2023/
DailyMed, LABEL: CONCERTA- methylphenidate hydrochloride tablet, extended release, Oct. 2023, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1a88218c-5b18-4220-8f56-526de1a276cd
DailyMed, LABEL: RITALIN LA- methylphenidate hydrochloride capsule, extended release, Oct. 2021, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=effd952d-ac94-47bb-b107-589a4934dcca
DailyMed, LABEL: RITALIN- methylphenidate hydrochloride tablet, Oct. 2023, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c0bf0835-6a2f-4067-a158-8b86c4b0668a
Drugs.com, Concerta Prices, Coupons and Patient Assistance Programs, https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/concerta
Drugs.com, Methylphenidate Prices, Coupons and Patient Assistance Programs, https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/methylphenidate
Drugs.com, Ritalin Prices, Coupons and Patient Assistance Programs, https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/ritalin
Drugs.com, Ritalin LA Prices, Coupons and Patient Assistance Programs, https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/ritalin-la
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