Methylphenidate is the active drug used in many ADHD medications. Both Ritalin and Concerta use methylphenidate, but in different ways (different inactive ingredients, different release). People respond to medicines differently, and unfortunately it's trial and error to see what works.
Good luck!
Mom2ADHDboy40568.3365393519My husband and both sons 10 & 12 are medicated. My husband and older son for inattention, and my little boy for inattention, hyperactivity, impusivity and so on.
My husbands main problem and what he essentially went to the dr. for, was anger and frustration. He has tried focalin, 2 different dosages and Adderall. He may have tried another, but I cant remember. Adderall was very bad for him.
He finally settled on Focalin xr 20 mg. Makes a huge difference in his attitude and ability to manage stress and getting angry. I think he too was hoping for a better result in organization. From what I have learned by taking my kids for behavioral therapy and reading books about ADHD, the meds give you the ability to learn, they don't learn for you.
My husband I think, would focus more and be more organized if he worked on some techniques that would help him be organized. (like lots of regular folks do).The meds help you remember lessons learned so it becomes easier over time. Lists, calendars, systmatic and same ways of doing things are very important to my boys.
Like the last poster said, it does take trial and error to find what will work best.
Good luck!
Thanks for the helpful replies.