Concerta vs Adderall XR--need feedback please!

lasthope · 06-12-2003, 09:04 AM

Has anyone tried both and seen any difference. My son has taken Concerta but it doesn't let him sleep which makes him more hyper. Now he is trying Strattera...he sleeps and eats but cannot focus. We have added ritalin but that doesn't seem to help much with the Strattera.
Is there a chemical difference between the two or how it works in the body. Many have gone off of Strattera and back to Adderall XR. I know there isn't one easy answer...just trying to find the best fit. Thanks

mlgable · 06-12-2003, 10:45 AM

Concerta is merely extended release Ritalin. The two meds are the same with the exception of the plain Ritalin being the regular dose. You will most likely have to keep trying different meds to see what works for you child since each person is different and reacts different to all medications. I am not certain why they want to keep him on the Strattera if this doesn't help his focus at all. I would think they take him off this med and just start with something else till they find something that does help his focus.

dn5lang · 06-20-2003, 02:17 PM

What time do you give your child the concerta. Remember 12 hours is 12 hours. If you give it after at 9am it will last until 9pm. If this does not work perhaps a lower dose or another med may be required.

lasthope · 06-20-2003, 04:18 PM

Reply to all...
Sticking with Strattera for a few more weeks...the pediatrician wants to see if it evens out. His feeling is people quit too soon as this med takes awhile to even out in the system. Trying Strattera alone for early summer and then having him go through a total physical and psychological work up as it has been several years. No matter what time he takes Concerta it keeps him up. Puberty also makes meds not effective in some kids...will have to see. It seems that more Docs are doing Strattera and then adding a stimulant...it seems like too much meds to me...