Concerta and Ritalin are Schedule II controlled substance medications approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. Due to the dopamine and norepinephrine release from these drugs, stimulating the brain’s reward system, these drugs can be highly addictive when misused. Choosing between these two drugs to treat ADHD will depend on your symptoms and treatment goals.

This article will discuss the similarities and differences between Concerta and Ritalin so you can make a more informed decision when choosing your treatment plan alongside your healthcare provider.

What Are Concerta and Ritalin?

Concerta and Ritalin are both FDA-approved ADHD stimulant medications made from the same active ingredient, methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH). These medications are used to improve focus and attention for people with ADHD who struggle daily and whose quality of life is impacted as a result.

How do Concerta and Ritalin Work?

Stimulant medications such as Concerta and Ritalin work by increasing the level of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain by blocking the reuptake of these two neurotransmitters.[1]

ADHD brains tend to have a lower base level of dopamine, which is the primary neurotransmitter involved in motivation[2]. As such, many people with ADHD struggle with starting work, focusing, paying attention, and doing day-to-day chores. They may also deal with mental health conditions such as anxiety, OCD, or depression.

The increase in dopamine through stimulant medication can help elevate dopamine levels to motivate people with ADHD to take action and focus on the work and activities they need to do. They also reduce impulsivity, allowing people to make better decisions.

Interestingly, although medications like Concerta and Ritalin are called stimulant medications, they have a calming effect on those with ADHD due to the improved focus and regulation of various brain areas, such as the prefrontal cortex, in charge of decision-making and impulse control.

ADHD cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed effectively with the right treatment plan. This means that if you choose to take medication, you’ll need to continue doing so when you want to relieve your ADHD symptoms. Some adults prefer to only take medication, such as Ritalin, for specific situations when they need to focus on something important, such as work or an event. In contrast, others choose to medicate continuously without pause.

It’s important to note that ADHD does not have to be treated with medication in many cases, and this is an optional form of treatment. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of medicating ADHD with your psychologist or healthcare professional before deciding to take medication, as well as explore alternative or supplemental solutions such as therapy. Mental health is a complex topic, and finding the right treatment takes a lot of exploration.

What Are the Main Differences between Concerta and Ritalin for Treating ADHD?

As Concerta and Ritalin are both brand names for the drug methylphenidate hydrochloride, you would assume they work the same way.

Despite deriving from the same chemical compound, these medications do not act identically.[3] There is one key difference between Concerta and Ritalin that needs to be considered when considering ADHD treatment.

Firstly, Ritalin is largely sold as a fast-working, immediate-release medication that quickly induces focus and attention before wearing off. Concerta lasts longer (around 12 hours), releasing slowly to provide consistent focus and attention throughout the day.[3] It usually comes in the form of an extended-release tablet.

The main reason for this difference is the osmotic pump technology in Concerta, which allows for slow release. The pill membrane is created to slowly dissolve in the body, allowing for a more steady release of medicine than a standard pill delivery system. It’s important to note that an extended-release version of Ritalin is available, too, though it is primarily used in its fast-release form.

Because of the difference in duration, immediate-release Ritalin can feel more abrupt – working better for short bursts — than Concerta, which may feel more stable.

Among adults, Ritalin is the preferred ADHD medication, with 33.7% having used Ritalin compared to 27.68% who have used Concerta.[3]

Despite being primarily a fast-working medication, Ritalin is also available in an extended-release form, which might be more appealing to adults who want to be able to choose to alternate between longer-lasting and fast-acting medication as needed.

What Are the Benefits of Taking Medication for ADHD?

ADHD can be a struggle for a lot of people. Finding it difficult to focus, start and finish work, control your impulses, and make decisions are just a few of the symptoms of ADHD that can make someone feel trapped.

Medications such as Ritalin and Concerta act as a way to change base levels of key neurotransmitters in the brain like dopamine and norepinephrine to help people with ADHD take on daily tasks effectively.[4]

Some of the biggest benefits of taking medication for ADHD include:

• Improved focus
• Improvements in work performance
• Better ability to make decisions
• Better impulse control
• Improved time management and organization
• Improved social relationships
• Increased self-esteem
• Reduced hyperactivity

Using medication to treat ADHD is all about improving quality of life and ensuring that neurodivergent people with ADHD can participate fully in society without feeling left behind, overwhelmed, or underachieving.

Because ADHD medication is so individualized, people looking for ADHD medication should be clear on what they hope to achieve from taking medication to help their healthcare provider create the best treatment plan that will yield the biggest benefits.

What Are the Side Effects of Taking Concerta vs Ritalin?

Given that Concerta and Ritalin derive from the same chemical compound, they share similar side effects.[5]

Common side effects include:

• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Insomnia or trouble sleeping
• Heart problems, including increased heart rate and high blood pressure
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Nervousness
• Anxiety (particularly once the stimulant has left the body, creating withdrawal effects)

In rare cases, stimulant medication can cause serious side effects like cardiovascular problems and disease or hallucinations. It may also cause prolonged, painful erections.

Most common side effects of Concerta or Ritalin tend to wear off after a few weeks, and these medications are considered safe to use.[5] But for some people, these side effects are too strong, and they may choose to end their treatment prematurely. It’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider before you stop taking your medication. It might just be that you need to start on a lower dose.

Everyone is unique, and how your brain reacts to stimulants will vary. For some people, they may experience calm and focus. Others may feel anxious and uneasy and struggle more than without medication.

That’s why keeping clear, open communication with your healthcare provider is vital. Monitoring your side effects and weighing the perceived benefits compared to the risks is vital for treatment success and will help guide the medical advice you receive.

Of course, just because you experience side effects with one medication doesn’t mean you’ll experience it with another. Medication for psychological disorders is extremely individualistic and can take a lot of trial and error to get right.[6] Working with your physician will help you find the right medication (if any) for you.

Are Concerta and Ritalin Addictive?

As a stimulant prescription medication, Concerta and Ritalin have the potential to become addictive.[7] These medications release dopamine into the brain — a mechanism that activates the brain’s reward system.

While this increase in dopamine allows people with ADHD to experience normal levels of activation, those without ADHD will experience a “high” from the dopamine reward center, making it attractive to misuse in the future.

However, both people with and without ADHD can become addicted to Concerta and Ritalin.

You can spot signs of potential Concerta or Ritalin addiction as:

• Taking more medication than prescribed
• Experiencing strong cravings and withdrawal symptoms
• Impacts on relationships or normal daily activity

If you’re worried about becoming addicted to Concerta or Ritalin, let your physician know. While they can be effective treatments for ADHD, there are non-stimulant medications available that you can explore. You can also discuss alternative non-medication treatments.

Which ADHD Medication Is Best?

ADHD medication is extremely individualistic, so picking the “best ADHD medication” is impossible.

Differences in individual response make it difficult to create a medication comparison for ADHD treatments confidently.

Your healthcare provider may recommend trying a different stimulant medication like lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (commonly sold as the brand-name version Vyvanse) to see if you respond better.

may also consider an alternative non-stimulant medication such as Atomoxetine (Strattera), which works by releasing noradrenaline to treat ADHD symptoms, including improving focus and mood and regulating wake/sleep cycles.[9] However, these, too, come with potential downsides. While they are less addictive, they aren’t as effective as stimulants and can cause anxiety or lethargy.

, the best treatment comes down to individual responses to medication. So, analyzing the effectiveness of your medication to find the best treatment is likely to be a journey of trial and error for you and your medical provider.

ADHD Medication With Confidence

ADHD medication can greatly benefit someone struggling with ADHD symptoms. However, the risk of addiction can make it difficult for some people to access the help they need.

At Engage Wellness Acton, we help our clients deal with their addictions with confidence. Our caring team will help you find the needed treatment and support you throughout your recovery.

If you’re suffering from a Concerta, Ritalin, or other stimulant medication addiction, we’re here to help. Complete our quick, confidential form, and let us help you take the first step to recovery.

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