Concerta vs Ritalin: what’s the difference for ADHD

Finding the right ADHD medication can be challenging, especially when considering similar medications like Concerta and Ritalin. Although they share an active ingredient that effectively addresses the symptoms of ADHD, what’s the difference between Concerta vs Ritalin? 

In this guide, we compare and contrast both medications, discuss how they work in the body, and common side effects and warnings. Read on for information to help you decide which medication may be right for you so you can discuss your options with your healthcare provider.

Find an ADHD specialist on Klarity Health who can answer your questions about ADHD treatment and medication and tailor a personalized treatment plan for you. Schedule an appointment today and be seen in as little as 24 hours.*

Concerta vs Ritalin: which is better for ADHD?

Concerta and Ritalin are similar medications containing the same active ingredient, methylphenidate. The only real differences in the medications are their delivery systems and available forms. 

Concerta uses a unique delivery system known as the osmotically controlled release oral-delivery system (OROS). The OROS delivers different amounts of Concerta at different times. 

• 22% is delivered when the outer capsule dissolves shortly after being ingested. 
• Portions of the remaining medication are delivered as the capsule’s 3 inner compartments slowly dissolve at different times throughout the day when the intestines absorb the compartments and release medication.
• ⅙ of the medication is never absorbed.
• OROS allows for Concerta to be delivered over roughly 10 to 12 hours for a sustained effect.

Ritalin comes as an immediate-release tablet or oral solution and an extended-release (Ritalin LA) capsule delivery system. Immediate-release Ritalin delivers a full dose of medication when it’s taken and lasts for roughly 4 hours. It can be taken twice a day. The extended-release form uses a bimodal delivery system that provides peak concentrations of Ritalin every 4 hours from a single capsule. It’s taken once a day.

There used to be an OROS version of Ritalin called Ritalin SR (sustained release), but it was discontinued. 

Because Concerta and Ritalin are so similar, talk with your healthcare provider about the best medication for you. They can assess which will work more effectively for your specific needs and symptoms.

What is Concerta?

Concerta (methylphenidate hydrochloride) is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant similar to ADHD medications like Daytrana (methylphenidate) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). Stimulants, compared to non-stimulants for ADHD, are controlled substances regulated by the U.S. federal government. 

Concerta is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals. It’s U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder). It works by targeting the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain that affect focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity to control ADHD symptoms.

Forms and dosages for Concerta

Concerta comes in 18-, 27-, 36-, 54-, and 72-milligram time-released capsules. It’s taken once a day and lasts 10 to 12 hours. Adults normally start with the 18-milligram dose and increase the doses until the desired therapeutic effect is achieved. The maximum dose is 72 milligrams. 

An authorized generic form of Concerta used to be available but was discontinued in January 2023. Today, only the brand-name version is available. Other formulations claiming to be generic Concerta are sold but aren’t authorized as generic equivalents by the FDA and may not work as well as brand-name Concerta.

What Concerta costs

Without insurance, capsules of brand-name Concerta costs:

• $1,368 for 100 18-milligram capsules
• $1,402 for 100 27-milligram capsules
• $1,446 for 100 36-milligram capsules
• $1,572 for 100 54-milligram capsules

Costs are per drugs.com, reflect using the drugs.com discount card, and depend on your chosen pharmacy. 

For accurate pricing information with a health insurance plan, contact your plan’s customer service team or call your preferred pharmacy. 

Concerta’s side effects

Concerta, because of its unique delivery system, may not cause as many side effects as other, more direct delivery methods used in immediate-release ADHD medications like Ritalin and Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine). 

Still, people taking Concerta have had side effects. The most common side effects for adults include:

• Decreased appetite
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Weight loss
• Irritability
• Increased sweating

Serious but less common side effects of Concerta include:

• Seizures
• Painful and prolonged erections (priapism)
• Circulation problems in fingers and toes, including peripheral vasculopathy or Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Slowed growth (height and weight) in children
• Increased pressure in the eye and glaucoma
• New or worsening tics, or worsening Tourette’s syndrome
• Eyesight changes or blurred vision
• Possible blockage of the intestine

Warnings and drug interactions for Concerta

Concerta has a boxed warning, which is the FDA’s highest warning, due to the risk of abuse, misuse, and/or addiction. The risk of addiction is lower if you take Concerta as prescribed. 

When used responsibly, Concerta is considered safe and effective for its intended purpose. It’s important to communicate any concerns or potential side effects to your healthcare provider.

You may have problems with Concerta if:

• You are hypersensitive to methylphenidate or other ingredients in Concerta. Hypersensitivity reactions can include angioedema (fluid building in the skin) and anaphylactic reactions, such as difficulty breathing.
• Take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within 14 days of taking Concerta or while taking Concerta.
• Have heart disease or abnormalities. 
• Take medications to increase blood pressure (vasopressor agents) or risperidone (Risperdal).
• Use anesthetic agents, including laughing gas (nitrous oxide).

You should avoid Concerta or take it only while monitored by your healthcare provider because it can:

• Increase blood pressure and heart rate for anyone.
• Cause psychiatric problems, such as new or worsening psychosis or mania and manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder. 

Track any symptoms and report them to your provider to make sure you benefit from taking Concerta while minimizing any potential risks.

Concerta may exacerbate certain conditions and react poorly with specific medications. For more information on Concerta’s warnings and drug interactions, refer to this medication’s accompanying literature and speak with an ADHD specialist who can explain the benefits and negatives of taking this medication.

What is Ritalin?

Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a CNS stimulant that’s FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. It’s manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Like Concerta, Ritalin increases dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps with focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. 

Forms and dosages for Ritalin

Ritalin comes in 2 forms: immediate-release and extended-release. 

Immediate-release Ritalin tablets come in 5-, 10-, and 20-milligram doses. It can be taken 2 to 3 times a day.  

Ritalin LA, the extended-release capsules, come in 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-milligram doses and are taken once a day. They last in your body for up to 10 hours.

Conditions treated by Ritalin

Ritalin is FDA-approved to treat ADHD. It is also used off-label (to treat a condition it’s not approved for) for narcolepsy.

What Ritalin costs

Brand-name immediate-release Ritalin costs between $97 and $189 for 100 tablets, depending on the dose, with a drugs.com discount card. 

100 capsules of Ritalin LA extended-release costs from $1,338 to $1,406 with a drugs.com discount card.

A generic supply of Ritalin is less expensive. You can use a drugs.com discount card to get 100 immediate-release generic methylphenidate for between $16 and $29 or 100 50/50 release extended-release capsules for $316 to $353. 

For accurate pricing with your health insurance plan, contact your plan’s customer service team or your chosen pharmacy. 

Side effects of Ritalin

Common side effects that have happened for people taking Ritalin include:

• Fast heartbeat
• Abnormal heartbeat (palpitations)
• Trouble sleeping
• Nervousness
• Sweating a lot
• Decreased appetite
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

Serious but less common side effects of Ritalin Include:

• Painful and prolonged erections (priapism)
• Circulation problems in fingers and toes, including peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon)
• Slowed growth (height and weight) in children
• Increased pressure in the eye and glaucoma
• New or worsening tics or worsening Tourette’s syndrome
• Eyesight changes or blurred vision

Warnings and drug interactions for Ritalin

Ritalin, like Concerta, is a schedule II stimulant and controlled substance and has a boxed warning for misuse, abuse, and addiction. The risk of dependency is lower when Ritalin is used as directed. Taking more than prescribed increases the chance of developing a physical or psychological addiction. Symptoms of dependency include drastic changes in weight, mood, sleep, and cardiovascular health, which may eventually become life-threatening. 

Ritalin has the same risk for hypersensitivity reactions as Concerta and shouldn’t be used within 14 days of, or while, taking an MAOI. 

Ritalin should also be used with caution if you:

• Have known heart disease or abnormalities. 
• Take vasopressor agents to increase blood pressure or risperidone (Risperdal).
• Use anesthetic agents, including laughing gas (nitrous oxide).

Avoid Ritalin or have your provider monitor you while on Ritalin, because it can:

• Increase blood pressure and heart rate for anyone.
• Cause psychiatric problems, such as new or worsening psychosis or mania and manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder. 

Ready to take control of ADHD symptoms?

With Klarity Health, deciding between similar medications like Concerta and Ritalin can be hassle-free. Find a licensed and certified healthcare provider in your state who specializes in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. They can evaluate your medical history and prescribe the best medication for you if medication is a medically necessary part of your treatment plan. 

Schedule an appointment with a licensed and certified provider today and get seen in as little as 24 hours.*