It took me a long time to find out what I'm about to tell you, so I figured everyone just beginning to research ADHD could benefit from my prior "research".

Here is the basics:

Ritalin is the exact duplicate of Methylphenidate. Ritalin is the original trade name that the company who invented the drug gave it, which is called CIBA-Geigy of Switzerland. They had a patent on it which expired about 10 years after they designed it. At that point in time, any company could then begin making the same drug, but not under the brand name Ritalin. So the chemical compound name of Methylphenidate is used by the other drug manufacturers for their product.

The only real difference is in your wallet. Most Health Care Plans will only pay for "generic" brand prescription coverage. That is because CIBA-GEIGY charges more for their brand Ritalin. Supposedly this is due to them recouping all the research and trials money they spent designing the drug. So if your Psychiatrist/Doctor writes a prescription for "Ritalin", and doesnt write D.A.W. (Dispense As Written) in the box on the bottom of the prescription form, the pharmacist is required to supply you with the generic version named Methylphenidate. And if he does write DAW, then you will get the original CIBA product actually named Ritalin, but your Health Care Plan may require a higher co-payment out of pocket.

Hope this is of help to others on the website.

However......

Some ADDers who have taken, or who still take Ritalin actually DO notice the difference between the brand name and Methylphenidate - including myself. I can't tell you if its manufacturing standards, or binding compounds or something else...but there IS a difference. :)

Yeah, I know exactly what your talkin' bout Big. It kinda "feels" different. But the chemical compound is supposed to be the same.