Concerta and Ritalin work similarly and are taken orally (by mouth).
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What Is Concerta?
Concerta is one brand-name version of methylphenidate, a stimulant medication.
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Concerta is also available as a generic product called methylphenidate ER, administered as an orally consumed capsule.
How Does Concerta Work?
Concerta works by raising the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, includingnorepinephrineanddopamine.
These chemicals improve the bodys ability to pay attention and focus on a given task.
The ER administration system releases the medication into your body over the day slowly.
Concerta, therefore, typically only needs to be taken once daily in the morning.
What Is Ritalin?
Ritalin is another version of the stimulant drug methylphenidate.
There is another version of methylphenidate available called Ritalin LA.
Both Ritalin and Ritalin LA are available as generic products.
Finally, like Concerta, Ritalin is designated as a controlled substance by the FDA.
How Does Ritalin Work?
Ritalin works to increase chemicals in your brain calledneurotransmitters, in turn increasing your attention and focus.
Through IR administration, IR drugs work quickly once consumed.
Which Is More Effective?
Concerta and Ritalin are both effective drugs for treating ADHD.
Since they contain the same active ingredient, their comparative efficacy is similar.
As stated above, brand-name Ritalin is a short-acting stimulant that increases focus quickly.
ADHD can affect children, teenagers, and adults.
Symptoms include difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity severe enough to impact everyday life.
Behavior interventions, counseling, andtherapyare often tried before medication, particularly in children under 6 years old.
Finally, multiple studies have shown that certainlifestyle habitsare more likely to occur in children and adults with ADHD.
Of note, both are FDA-approved for the treatment of narcolepsy.
They may be used in addition to behavioral modification and other non-stimulant medicines.
Fortunately, most existing side effects will typically disappear after taking the medication over several weeks to months.
If not, your healthcare provider may attempt to lower your dosage or switch to a different medication.
If you notice you grow continuously worse, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Who Should Avoid Concerta & Ritalin?
Stimulant drugs like Concerta and Ritalin are not for everyone.
Concerta is an orally administered ER tablet taken just once a day.
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DailyMed.Label: Straterra- atomoxetine hydrochloride capsule.
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