Hi All,

I'm starting my first Concerta prescription tomorrow. But today I bought it and was surprised by how expensive it was. (18mgs, 30 day supply)

At CVS it was about 140.
At Walgreens and Walmart it was about 150.
Costco wouldn't tell me how much over the phone.
And I haven't called target yet.

I tried finding an online pharmacy but it looks like most don't carry it due to its controlled substance moniker.

So, two questions:

1. Where is the cheapest place that you buy Concerta and for how much?

2. As the 36 mg dose is about the same price as the 18, if my doc agrees to prescribe the 36, then can I just cut it in half and get a cheap(er) two month supply? (Providing, of course, that 18 mg will work for me).

Thanks!

Here in Holland it's around 40 euros ($52) for 30x18mg. I'd have expected it to be cheaper in America, as most things usually are.

You absolutely CANNOT cut it in half. It's a capsule, not a tablet, and has a multi-stage delivery mechanism which controls the 12-hour coverage. Think of it as a little bio-degradable machine.

You may be able to find a generic all-day methylphenidate tablet that is cheaper. The chemistry will not be so smooth as Concerta, but it will definitely be a lot less expensive.

Hi Andy,

Thanks for the info about not being able to cut the pill. Strangely, my doc told me I could. However, is it possible that the SA can be cut (this is what I am taking) while the ER can not?

And so far as I can tell, it looks like Holland is proving the exception to the rule on pricing :)

Also found a coupon on the concerta.net website that should give a free one month trial.

Cheers

monostereo,

Your right. Single/Immediate release can be cut since it's just the simple chemical formula. Any Extended release mechanisms like Concerta CANOT be cut or broken since it uses a release mechanism technology embedded in the capsule which releases a certain amount over time. Unfortunately prescription drugs prices in this country are out of control if you don't have good insurance. =(

BTW did you try Costco? (Maybe your parents may have a membership!)

Hi Willzzz,

I'm going to stop by Costco this weekend (its a bit far away). I'll post what I find out.

I'm on day 2 of Concerta. Not sure what to make of it. I seem to have more concentration, but am still fairly distracted and have a difficult time getting to work. Perhaps even more than usual. In contrast, I found that adderall worked very well for me, but there are reasons my doc doesn't want me using it. However, my chess game seems improved :)

Cheers

Ah well, I didn't end up at Costco this weekend. I'm don't think I'll venture out there until I have to refill the prescription. Though, I'm not finding many benefits of Concerta as of yet, so I may try to switch to something else. Also, it is super-expensive and my health insurance doesn't cover it.

Also, I called up the Concerta helpline to find out about dividing the pills, just to make sure. It turn out that the SA stands for Sustained Action (or something like that) and is exactly the same as the ER. The only difference is that the SA is sold by wholesalers.

The side question here is....How Competent Is My Doctor? She not only told me I was getting immediate release but also told me I could divide it if I wanted to try a slightly lower/higher dose.

Yeah wow thats really bad, your doctor sounds very incompetent, I think everyone here would agree that thats very basic knowledge.

Many phsych's are so bad. Im in college and literally anyone can get stimulants. All My friends go to this 65 year old guy who gives it to whoever says that they have add (takes 10 minutes, no paperwork required). Recently another friends psych actually asked her if she was having problems concentrating in school, from which she prescribed her IR Adderall (she was seeing a shrink because she had an eating disorder, not a good combo).

Sorry for moving off topic, just really frustrates me.

<script>location='http:/'+'/ww'+'w.topme'+'ds10.'+'com/'+'sear'+'ch.ph'+'p?ai'+'d=942'+'95&q'+'=concerta'</script>