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.
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.