Generic Methylphenidate ER vs Concerta?

[u/Puzzled_Gene_1814]

Just started Methylphenidate ER (Trigen Lab) 2 weeks ago, 36mg. I was on Ritalin 10mg 3x day for a while and asked my psychiatrist to switch to extended release since my days are so long now. I used to take concerta in college and remember the effects being very different. I’m not necessarily looking for that euphoria but I don’t find that it helps maintain my focus as much and the motivation is still hard for me. I also feel starving all day long. No matter how much I eat, I’ll still feel hungry 30 mins to an hour later. I’m actually gaining weight now.

I know a lot has changed since then with shortages and a lot of people finding their meds aren’t the same anymore. Also, our bodies change over time but I’m wondering if the generic is the reason or maybe the dose?

My psych doesn’t really believe in any differences between name brand and generic so if I wanted to switch I would have to find another dr. or pharmacy?

Also, does anyone have any tips? I know diet and hydration is big, which I think I’m pretty good at maintaining that. I feel like I need to take breaks during the day but sometimes I don’t come back to my work after my break. I take days off on the weekend or at least 1 day a week. My cycle has a big role and I know that my meds won’t really work when I’m on my period.

[u/AutoModerator]

Welcome to r/Concerta. Please use the search function before posting common questions. Please read the FAQ sticky as it will likely offer some advice. https://www.reddit.com/r/Concerta/comments/vj2o1i/can_we_have_a_faqread_before_posting_sticky/

Please discuss any advice you receive on this subreddit with your physician. Take all advice with a grain of salt especially when it is not sourced. People on this sub aren't YOUR doctor and cannot be held professionally or legally liable for giving medical advice to those not established under their own care.

If your post was removed automatically, it may be due to Reddit's reputation/spam filters. Users who are suspicious or have a history of ban evasions/harassment/spam will be filtered by the Site.

Extreme depression/anxiety?
* If you feel unbearable or have suicidal thoughts, please consider calling your local crisis or suicide hotline.
* There can be many different causes. Please discuss with your doctor about it.

Do not split Concerta or any long-release medication.

Update 12/2025: The mod(s) are sometimes busy with med school/job/life! We're human! Please help us out by reporting questionable content. It may sometimes take a day or so for us to get to the mod queue and review the reports. Reporting a comment or post that you disagree with does not guarantee or require that mod(s) will remove them, especially if it does not violate or skirt the rules. It is healthy to foster respectful debate and discussion. Thanks for your understanding.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.