What is the difference between concerta and methylin er

In particular, children and teenagers may develop symptoms such as hallucinations and delusional thoughts. 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 is not suitable for children below the age of 6 or adults over the age of 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. 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. 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. 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.

These medications are different brand-names for the same drug, called methylphenidate hydrochloride MPH , which a new meta-analysis identified as the most effective first-line treatment for children with ADHD.

Since these popular medications are made from the same chemical compound, they both act similarly — they do not cure ADHD, but they can increase focus and reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. The main differences are in the length of effectiveness, the strength, and the dosage. Concerta and Ritalin share the same active ingredient. However, Ritalin is a short-acting stimulant that boosts focus and attention quickly.

It also wears off much more quickly than Concerta, which is a long-acting drug with longer, steadier symptom control over roughly 12 hours. Some patients report a more abrupt onset and offset with Ritalin, but other side effects — namely, appetite and sleep trouble — are very similar.

According to a survey of ADDitude readers , That makes these medications among the most popular among children. Among adults with ADD, Despite chemical similarities between Concert and Ritalin, different patients will react differently to these medications.

The same goes for Ritalin. If you live with ADHD, you know that it's a complex condition. Here's a top-to-bottom look at it, from causes and testing to natural remedies and tips…. Could a brain workout be just what the doctor ordered for ADHD? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. Concerta vs. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Drug features at a glance.

Share on Pinterest. Ritalin in your body. Cost, availability, and insurance. Side effects. Use with other medical conditions and drugs. Talk with your doctor. Read this next.

Adderall vs. Ritalin: What's the Difference? ADHD vs. Medically reviewed by Karin Gepp, PsyD. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. If you or your child have been diagnosed with ADHD , your healthcare provider may have mentioned trying ADHD medication as part of a comprehensive mental health treatment plan, including social, behavioral, and educational resources. ADHD is common : 6. Both prescription drugs are indicated for ADHD attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment.

Both medications contain the same ingredient, methylphenidate. Concerta contains a long-acting form of methylphenidate, while Ritalin contains an immediate-release form of methylphenidate. Concerta and Ritalin work by acting on the CNS central nervous system to increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve ADHD symptoms such as concentration and alertness.

Although Concerta and Ritalin are both stimulants that contain methylphenidate, they have some differences. Continue reading below to learn more about Concerta and Ritalin. Concerta and Ritalin are both classified as stimulant medications and both are available in brand-name and generic form. The generic name of Concerta is methylphenidate extended-release.

Concerta is designed to last for about 12 hours, and it is dosed once per day. The generic name of Ritalin is methylphenidate and is an immediate-release tablet. One dose of Ritalin lasts about four hours, so it is dosed more often, usually two to three times per day. Other forms of Ritalin are longer-acting. Ritalin-LA is a long-acting capsule available in brand and generic and Ritalin-SR available in generic is a long-acting tablet.

Ritalin LA has a bi-modal release. Half of the methylphenidate is released immediately, and the second half is released later. A dose of Ritalin LA lasts for about eight to 10 hours. A dose of Ritalin-SR lasts for about eight hours. The length of treatment with Concerta or Ritalin varies. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if you or your child should take a drug holiday. Sign up for Ritalin price alerts and find out when the price changes! Get price alerts.

Concerta and Ritalin are both indicated for ADHD treatment in children ages 6 years and older, adolescents , and adults. Ritalin is also indicated for narcolepsy.