We know that finding pharmacies with Concerta in stock is a challenge millions of Americans struggle with every month, but fortunately, there are lots of alternative medications available for individuals with ADHD. Always be sure to consult your doctor to evaluate a medication change. With the disclaimer out of the way, let's dive into Concerta ! 

Pro tip - If you can’t find Concerta in stock near you, you can use Medfinder’s online medication locator tool to find a pharmacy with your medications in stock!

What is Concerta?

Concerta (Methylphenidate) is a Schedule II Controlled Substance and is a central nervous system stimulant most commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both children and adults. It helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control by increasing certain chemicals (dopamine and norepinephrine) in the brain. Concerta is also sometimes used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness.

How does Concerta work?

Concerta helps people with ADHD by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, improving attention, focus, and self-control. Concerta works by blocking the reuptake (re-absorption) of two key neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine. It does this by inhibiting the dopamine transporter (DAT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET) on nerve cells, increasing the concentration of these chemicals in the spaces between brain cells (synapses). By increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels, Concerta enhances activity in areas of the brain that control attention, behavior, and impulse control which helps improve focus, attention span, and self-control, while reducing distractibility and impulsivity in people with ADHD.

What is the difference between Concerta and Adderall XR?

Both Concerta and Adderall XR are stimulant medications commonly prescribed for ADHD, but they differ in their chemical makeup, how they work, and how long they last.

Adderall XR or “Extended Release” uses a two-phase delivery system where half the dose is released immediately, and the other half is released gradually later in the day. For many individuals with ADHD, this option is more preferable as they don't have to remember to take another dose of their medication as they go through their day. Due to this preference, Adderall XR tends to be more difficult to find in stock than Adderall IR.

Concerta, on the other hand, contains only methylphenidate as its active ingredient. It tends to work more quickly, reaching peak levels sooner after taking a dose, though its effect only lasts about 8–12 hours.

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Alternative medications to Concerta

If you've tried everything and still can't manage to find Concerta in stock, it may make sense to talk to your doctor about other options. Many medications have similar effects to Concerta, and there are often other medication options that can get you through shortages. Some other medications that are similar to Concerta are:

• Adderall XR (amphetamine mixed salts) 
  
  • Adderall XR is a similar stimulant to Concerta in how it works that contains a mix of immediate-release and delayed-release amphetamine salts. This formulation is designed to provide two separate doses over time, helping to extend the medication’s effects throughout the day and it may not last as long as some individuals need. 
• Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)
  
  • Vyvanse works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, two neurotransmitters that play a key role in attention, focus, and impulse control. The steady release of these chemicals throughout the day can help reduce the likelihood of spikes and crashes in symptom control, which some patients experience with shorter-acting stimulants. 
• Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate)
  
  • Dexmethylphenidate is quite similar to Concerta, but is considered more potent than Concerta on a milligram-to-milligram basis. Generally, it is prescribed at roughly half the dosage of Concerta. Both are available in immediate and extended release formulations, but some studies show that Dexmethylphenidate may last a bit longer. 

Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication routine.

Final Thoughts

We know how challenging it can be when a regular medication you are taking suddenly is nowhere to be found. Thankfully, there are a number of alternative medications to Concerta, like:

1. Adderall (amphetamine mixed salts) 
2. Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)
3. Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate)

If you don’t want to change your medication, be sure to check out our guide on how to find Concerta in stock for tips and tricks on how to find a pharmacy that can fill your prescription.