Those of you who have gone from Ritalin IR to Concerta, or the other way around- what experiences do you have? Was it a big difference? If yes, what kind of difference? Which medication worked best for you?

I've tried Ritalin XR, and found it less effective and unpredictable in its effect, so I'm a bit sceptical to long-release formulas.

hi ethereal,

i haven't tried concerta, but i would love to switch if possible. i haven't tried it, though, because it came out after i'd already become frustrated with trying to switch from instant release to the old longer acting ritalin formulations. the old extended release versions just didn't cut it.

i noticed from your other post today that you take the same amount of instant release i take. when i tried switching in the past i was never able to get the dosage high enough to have the same properties as the instant release. i ended up being extremely nauseated all of the time, grumpy, and i was getting minimal relief from my symptoms--it worked better for impulsivity than inattention, but lagging in both.

i think there's something about people who metabolize these medications quickly, and need pretty high dose, that prevents us from taking the extended versions. i'd love to be wrong, however, so if you do switch , please let me know how it goes.

-peri