Concerta vs Ritalin...doseage help | ADHD Information

I was diagnosed with ADD about a month ago. I always knew it was the case but never really sought out treatment until I got into a very intensive college course and a somewhat intense new job. As luck would have it, previously Ive managed to slide by with not much effort, but in the end that would sometimes result from losing jobs due to poor/slipping work performance, lack of focus, etc.


Anyway, I started on Concerta 36 MG for a month. It seems to work quite well. My study time increased, and I have been able to focus better. Some minor side effects associated with high caffeine consumption, but other than that its been good.

The only real negative side effect of concerta is the cost . My insurance is kind of a joke, and they only cover of it leaving me with a cost of 0+. On a monthly basis I cant really afford that so I talked to the doctor about a generic. Now, since Ritalin and Concerta are basically the same minus the time release element my thought is it wouldnt be that much different right?

So far its hard to tell, I was perscribed 10 MG, three times daily. The first day I couldnt really tell...I had a fairly hard time focusing but I also had to deal with someone breathing loud right next to me. I am also in the middle of a big move, so again, hard to tell when theres a lot on your mind, right? It seems like when the pills are taken too close together, I actually get worse ADD. I dunno, anyone know of any ideas to stagger the doseage and if 36 MG of Concerta worked, would three 10 MGs of Ritalin work?
nick is rulz39244.77625

They are the same med, just release diffferently. Methylphenidate is the active ingredient in both Concerta and Ritalin.

IMO generics tend to not work as well for some odd reason.

it seemed very up and down. At certain points in the day, I was not really interested in doing my job whereas others I was taking notes and staying on task. The last doseage I took at around 5 made me sleepy and I found myself completely unable to concentrate at school. Although they are the same drug, the meds DO NOT work the same once you change the delivery method. MY daughter was never able to tolerate the short acting medications. She always did better on the slow release longer acting Ritilan LA over regular Ritalin. Also if you have too much stimulant dose your ADHD symptoms can increase. Correct dose is very important. today seemed to go well actually. I took 5 mg (split pills in half) around 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM and it seemed to work very well. I think the trick is just staggering it well. I might try a full 10 MG in the morning tomorrow...I felt pretty slow until about 1. nick is rulz39245.9071180556is there a generic version of slow release ritalin? That I don't know, but I do not think so.Yes..  Methylphenidate (in different time release forms) is Generic for Ritalin, Ritalin SR and Ritalin LA http://www.medicinenet.com/methylphenidate/article.htm