I’ve been thinking of getting back on meds to help concentrate more since I plan to take a Comptia certs course and exam. I’ve been doing somethings to improve my focus without meds but I really want to get my act together and actually do something with my life. I used to take Concerta when I was in middle and high school and it did improve my focus in class. The only major downside I faced was loss of appetite. Since I’ve been off meds, I’ve heard of people taking Adderall which piqued my interest but I don’t how it differs from Concerta. What do you guys think? Thanks in advance.
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I think you should talk to a doctor. Everyone reacts a little different to meds so ymmv
Check with your doctor. Everyone is different. Some may work well but with nasty side effects.
Even different generic manufacturers of the same medication will react differently in the same body.
Talk with your doctor, try them until you find something suitable. And, respect the posology and dosage. This more important than you could imagine.
They are quite different molecularly, Concerta is extended release methylphenidate (instant release is Ritalin) while Adderall is instant release dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. But there’s also extended release Adderall too. All in all, it’ll come down to your specific neurobiology regarding the best treatment option. However, if appetite suppression is a concern for you, using an instant release med will decrease the amount of time the med is active, which should reduce the duration of any appetite suppression.
Concerts is not Ritalin in long acting form, that would be Ritalin LA.
They’re both long-acting forms of methylphenidate. Ritalin, Concerta, and Ritalin LA are all different versions of the same molecule - methylphenidate
Concerta and Ritalin are both methylphenidate medications. The “regular” Ritalin is instant release and Concerta is extended release. Because these two are the most well-known, “Ritalin” is often used as a synonym for “instant release methylphenidate” and “Concerta” for “extended release methylphenidate”. As far as I can tell, descriptions like “long acting” (LA) and “extended release” (ER/XR) don’t have clear definitions and are often used interchangeably.
So unless you’re specifically talking about the brand name or want to get extra technical with potential differences in the formulation, the person you replied to is correct. Concerta and Ritalin LA are both extended release methylphenidate.
No one here will be able to say what’s best for you, this is something you need to figure out with a doctor.
You should take what works for you. There’s no “this drug is the real one that works.”
Each drug has differences in the way it works and the effects on an individuals brain chemistry.
A psychiatrist would start you on a low dose of a given drug and increase dosage while monitoring impact and side effects. There’s no good way to find the best drug for you without literally trying them all. But that’s a long annoying process, and I think most people just stop trying when they find one that’s “good enough.”
Ask. Your. Therapist.
Goddamn.
It’s a whole other thing if you ask for experiences but stop asking what you should try for controlled substances.
This comes down to your individual biology. Everyone reacts differently to different medications.
Echoing other commenters; this is best determined with the oversight of a medical professional.
Vyvanse
For me, Concerta, Ritalin, and Adderall all had basically the same effect. I ended up asking my doctor to put me on Adderall long term, because it was cheapest.
Not everyone will have the same experience though, and since Methylphenidate has worked for you before, I’d recommend sticking with it unless you have a problem. (Appetite suppression tends to be a problem on all stimulants though.)
Ritalin is the same drug as Concerta (Methylphenidate) but without the osmotic release system. That makes it a lot cheaper, if that matters to you.
Regarding all the comments that just say “ask a doctor”, I’m sure they mean well, but when you get to the doctor they may very well offer to prescribe any one of these, at your choice.