Concerta and Ritalin are different brands of a prescription medication called methylphenidate hydrochloride.
The difference between Concerta and Ritalin is how long their effects last.
This article provides information on the dosages, side effects, and differences between Concerta and Ritalin.
Concerta and Ritalin both contain the same active ingredient: methylphenidate hydrochloride.
Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a stimulant drug that doctors commonly use to help treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can also treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder.
The main differences between the two medications are how quickly they work and how long they remain effective.
Concerta
Concerta is an extended release drug (ERD), which means that it releases into the bloodstream slowly. The effects of ERDs are usually longer lasting than those of regular medications.
Concerta provides a steady and prolonged increase in dopamine levels, which means that a single tablet can provide 10–12 hours of relief from ADHD symptoms.
Ritalin
Ritalin is available in the following three forms:
- an immediate release (IR) drug, under the brand name “Ritalin”
- a sustained release drug, under the brand name “Ritalin SR”
- an ERD, under the brand name “Ritalin LA”
IR Ritalin
Standard IR Ritalin enters the bloodstream quickly and rapidly boosts dopamine levels, providing immediate relief from ADHD symptoms.
However, its effects tend to last only 3–4 hours. To maintain adequate dopamine levels, people may need to take several tablets per day at regular intervals.
Ritalin SR and Ritalin LA
Both Ritalin SR and Ritalin LA enter the bloodstream more slowly than standard Ritalin.
As a treatment for ADHD, Ritalin SR provides 4–8 hours of symptom relief, while Ritalin LA is effective for up to 10 hours.
Concerta and Ritalin are common ADHD medications. They can also help treat narcolepsy.
ADHD
Stimulant medications, including Concerta and Ritalin, work by increasing dopamine activity in the brain. They are the
Dopamine is a brain chemical that plays a vital role in movement, attention, and motivation.
Research shows that people with ADHD tend to have problems with dopamine activity in the brain.
ADHD can cause the following symptoms:
- hyperactivity
- impulsiveness
- difficulty paying attention
- forgetfulness
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a rare sleep condition that can cause the following symptoms:
- excessive daytime sleepiness
- bouts of cataplexy, or sudden muscle weakness brought on by laughter or strong emotion
- hallucinations
- sleep paralysis
Experts believe that narcolepsy occurs due to the depletion of a particular type of brain cell.
These cells produce chemicals called hypocretins, which play an essential role in the sleeping and waking cycle. One of their functions is to prevent deep sleep from occurring at inappropriate times, such as during the day.
Taking Concerta or Ritalin can increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps people feel more awake and alert.
Since Concerta and Ritalin contain the same active ingredient, they also share the same side effects.
Common side effects
Common side effects of methylphenidate hydrochloride-based stimulants include:
- decreased appetite
- stomach pain
- nausea
- nervousness
- difficulty sleeping
- headache
Heart and circulatory problems
A doctor will regularly monitor the heart rate and blood pressure of anyone taking methylphenidate hydrochloride, as these stimulants can cause problems with the heart and other parts of the circulatory system.
Possible cardiovascular side effects include:
- circulatory problems in the fingers and toes
- increased blood pressure and heart rate
- risk of stroke and heart attack in adults
Though very rare, there have also been reports of sudden death in people with heart problems or heart defects who have taken Ritalin.
Before taking stimulants, a person should notify their doctor if they or a family member have ever experienced heart or circulatory problems.
Psychiatric problems
Concerta and Ritalin may also trigger or exacerbate the following psychiatric problems in people of all ages:
- behavioral issues
- aggression
- cognitive impairments
- bipolar disorder
In particular, children and teenagers may develop symptoms such as hallucinations and delusional thoughts.
A person should tell their doctor if they or their child experience any concerning side effects.
Other serious side effects
Other side effects associated with methylphenidate hydrochloride include:
- changes to eyesight
- painful and prolonged erections
- seizures, mainly in people who have a history of seizures
- temporarily delayed growth in children
The correct dosage depends on which drug a person is taking, as well as their age and how they respond to its effects. A doctor will help a person find the lowest possible effective dosage.
Concerta dosage
Concerta is not suitable for children below the age of 6 or adults over the age of 65.
For children and adolescents taking methylphenidate hydrochloride for the first time, the starting dosage is typically 18 milligrams (mg) once per day. A doctor may slowly increase this dosage until it is effective.
All dosages must stay within the maximum daily dose (MDD) of 54 mg per day for children aged 6–12 years and 72 mg per day for adolescents and adults.
For adults who are new to Concerta or Ritalin, a doctor will usually recommend a starting dosage of either 18 mg or 36 mg per day. They may increase this by 18 mg each week, up to the MDD of 72 mg.
Ritalin dosage
When taking IR Ritalin, a person must divide their overall daily dosage into two or three smaller doses.
Taking small doses throughout the day helps maintain adequate levels of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Ritalin is not suitable for children under 6 years of age. For children over the age of 6, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend a starting dosage of 5 mg of Ritalin twice per day.
A doctor may gradually increase this dosage by 5 mg or 10 mg each week. Children should not exceed the MDD of 60 mg of Ritalin per day.
The usual dosage for adults is around 20–30 mg of Ritalin per day. Some people may need more or less than this, so a doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage of Ritalin for each person.
As an alternative to standard IR Ritalin, people may be able to take Ritalin SR or Ritalin LA. These slow release drugs require a person to take fewer doses throughout the day.
IR Ritalin may be a better option for people who require immediate symptom relief. However, some people may notice that their symptoms return before they are due to take the next dose.
For people looking to take fewer tablets throughout the day, Ritalin LA or Concerta may be more suitable. Concerta provides the longest lasting effects.
It is best to speak with a doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of medication.
Sometimes, long-term use of prescription stimulants such as methylphenidate hydrochloride can lead to
People who take large dosages of a drug for an extended period of time may also develop a drug dependence. Abruptly stopping a drug or rapidly decreasing the dosage can result in withdrawal.
People in withdrawal may experience a relapse in the condition or symptoms they were taking the drug to treat.
Some
- depression
- sleep problems
- fatigue
It is important to take care when using Concerta and Ritalin. Always stay within the doctor-recommended dosage and keep medications out of reach of children.
It is possible to overdose on methylphenidate hydrochloride. An overdose is a life-threatening emergency, so anyone who has taken too much Concerta or Ritalin requires urgent medical attention.
Concerta and Ritalin are stimulant medications containing an active ingredient called methylphenidate hydrochloride.
The main differences between the medications are how quickly they work to relieve symptoms and how long their effects last.
Both Concerta and Ritalin can cause a range of side effects. People with certain preexisting medical conditions are more likely to experience side effects. A doctor will decide whether either drug is suitable for a particular person.
Methylphenidate hydrochloride also has the potential for dependence and misuse. People who feel that they may be developing a dependence on their prescription medication should speak to their doctor as soon as possible.