The difference between ritalin and concerta, we explain!

What is Ritalin?

Ritalin is the brand name of a medication with methylphenidate in it. Ritalin is prescribed by doctors for children and adolescents with ADHD or narcolepsy. The drug increases the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, causing increased focus. Up to eighty percent of studied children with ADHD notice a positive effect of Ritalin on their hyperactivity, impulsivity and concentration. Ritalin is available only on a doctor's prescription. 

Effects of Ritalin

Ritalin increases the release of dopamine, which causes a person to become more motivated. Known effects of Ritalin include:

• Increased ability to concentrate
• Uplifting effects
• Less attacks of sleep
• Calmer head
• More energy
• More overview

What is Concerta?

The drug Concerta is also often prescribed for people with ADHD or narcolepsy. The drug contains methylphenidate and prevents restlessness, hyperactivity and sleep attacks. Concerta, like Ritalin, is a brand name and is very similar in chemical structure to amphetamines. You can take Concerta even without ADHD, because it is a stimulant that helps you focus better. That is why many students take this drug during exams. However, Concerta can only be obtained through your doctor.

Effects of Concerta

What does Concerta do to your body? What are the effects of this drug? Concerta is a stimulant with effects such as:

• Fewer sleep attacks
• Improved concentration
• Boost your motivation
• Less hyperactive
• Better control over impulses

Concerta vs. Ritalin

Both Concerta and Ritalin contain the substance methylphenidate. This substance is responsible for increasing concentration as it has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. Especially children with ADHD become calmer as a result of Ritalin and Concerta and are much less easily distracted. If you then wonder if there is a difference between Ritalin and Concerta, it must be concluded that there is one major difference between the two brand names. Concerta has a longer duration of action than Ritalin, before Concerta releases methylphenidate to your body at a delayed rate. As a result, Ritalin does work faster after ingestion, but has a shorter duration of action. 

Concerta or Ritalin better?

Ritalin wears off faster than Concerta, so the former must be taken several times a day. This can lead to forgetting to take it when you are busy or distracted. In addition, with Ritalin you may experience the so-called rebound effect. When the drug wears off, the symptoms of ADHD or ADD may actually be worse than normal. These more intense symptoms do subside after a while. Concerta is actually the slower Ritalin. Because of this, you only need to take Concerta once a day. The disadvantage of Concerta is that this medication is not covered by health insurance, while Ritalin is almost always covered. Still, many people choose Concerta because of its once-a-day intake frequency and because of the absence of rebounds. 

Ritalin vs Concerta: recreational use

Concerta is more often used as a party drug. For people who do not suffer from narcolepsy or ADHD, the drug produces stimulating and uplifting effects, similar to the illegal drug speed. It is therefore not surprising that you can become addicted to this drug if you periodically take more than the permitted dosage. Ritalin is also more often used as a stimulant while going out or as an extra study drug to pass exams. The same risks therefore apply to Ritalin in addition to Concerta: it is addictive when not taken properly. However, people use Ritalin and Concerta to keep going out longer.