I have tried all three of these medications and have been frustrated with all of them. Are there any similarities between the three (concerta, ritalin, and focalin) that I should know about. I do find an increase in attention span, but the side effects are ruining my days.
So if anyone knows about any similarities in the chemical makeup of the three drugs, I would really appreciate it. Thanks...

All three are versions of the same drug, methylphenidate. Concerta is a high-tech slow release version and Focalin is a pure form of the right handed version of the molecule, which is thought to be the active isomer (methylphenidate is a racemic mix of two isomers, one right handed - dex-methylphenidate - and one left handed - levo-methylphenidate).
These drugs will all work pretty much the same way in the brain.
What side effects are bothering you?

Yeah they all seemed to make me feel similar which is why i posed the question. I get extremely aggressive and angry coming down from them. They also give me a strong anti-social behavior. Of the three, I like ritalin the best (or should I say hated it the least?). I am still on ritalin and am going to try to stick with it for as long as possible.
That isomer stuff was a bit over my head to be honest but thanks anyways.

Do you think it was wise for my doctor to have tried three methylphenidates with repeated lack of success, or should we have gone on to something else?