What is the difference between concerta and methylphenidate

People with some health problems should not take Concerta or Ritalin. You may also need to avoid the drugs if you take certain medications. Concerta and Ritalin can be abused. Even if you take the drugs as prescribed, they can cause dependence. The risk of dependence is greater in people with a history of substance abuse. If you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, you should discuss your risk of dependence with your doctor before taking Concerta or Ritalin.

Both medications are category C pregnancy drugs. The two medications also carry similarities in terms of benefits, risks, and how well they work. The greatest consideration in deciding between the two drugs may be whether a long-acting or short-acting version is best.

This choice depends on the severity, frequency, and timing of your symptoms. Your doctor can help you choose which drug is best for you. But is it…. ADHD in children is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity.

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This information will help you and your doctor determine your ideal dosage. Side effects from methylphenidate often disappear within a few weeks of starting the medication.

However, for some people the side effects are severe enough to merit a cessation of the medication. The most common side effects with both Ritalin and Concerta include headache, stomach ache, loss of appetite, sleep issues, and nervousness.

Less common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and anxiety. As with effectiveness, you should keep track of your side effects and discuss these with your doctor. Anecdotally, adult patients who took the ADDitude treatment survey reported side effects including the following:. Methylphenidate medication labels include warnings for potential serious cardiovascular events. Children and adults with pre-existing cardiac conditions or heart abnormalities should seriously discuss the use of these medications with their doctor and weigh their benefits and risks.

If these medications are used, a patient must do so only under the close supervision of a doctor with consistent monitoring of the heart condition and blood pressure. You must be logged in to post a comment. 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 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.

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. Stimulant medications, including Concerta and Ritalin, work by increasing dopamine activity in the brain.

They are the most common type of ADHD medication. Research shows that people with ADHD tend to have problems with dopamine activity in the brain. 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.

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.

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.

Concerta and Ritalin may also trigger or exacerbate the following psychiatric problems in people of all ages:. 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 If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call immediately.

Ritalin and Concerta — Main Differences Both Ritalin and Concerta are Food and Drug Administration approved for the treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Are Ritalin and Concerta the Same Drug? The main differences are as follows: Ritalin is an immediate-release medication, while Concerta is a long-acting medication The dosing for each medication is different — Ritalin is generally taken in 20 to 30mg doses up to three times a day, while Concerta is taken once daily, and doses can vary from 18mg to 72mg depending on the severity of the disorder Ritalin can be taken for years while Concerta is generally only prescribed to be taken for several months at a time Ritalin can be used to treat other conditions in some instances, including narcolepsy One dose of Ritalin lasts for around 4 hours, while one dose of Concerta lasts for roughly 12 hours which is why it is only taken once a day, usually first thing in the morning To learn more about the differences and similarities between the two medications, reach out to Evoke Wellness today.

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