We have recently had a change in our financial situation, and purchasing my son's Concerta is difficult. I have just found out the Ritalin has a generic equivilent. I would like to know if anyone has had any experiance with this medication, and how it worked. Also, why are generic medications for ADHD frowned upon? Thanks in advance for your input.
2006-10-15 06:58:51 · 10 answers · asked by MC 5 in Health ➔ Mental Health
We do have insurance, but even so, the co-pays are pricey.
2006-10-15 07:01:04 · update #1
I have 2 resources.
I am a Mental Health Nurse
and I have ADHD
The difference between name brand, and generic are this.
Generic is what the med actually is. Like acetaminophen....(Tylenol) but many other companies snap up that kind of med too, and that's a BRAND. The generic is the same. The only difference, is less research, and less expensive.
It is hard to explain, but the generic, is the actual drug....non-specific drug company.
Concerta is a trade name...drug company name for the drug.
If you can afford the generic,use it. I do not use anything but generic, because my husband is Active Duty Military, and all we get is generic. They carry very few name brand.
Also, do not buy into the candy and discipline thing. That's crap.
Candy is not good for them, do not get me wrong, but all the discipline in the world would not have gotten me where I am today.
My niece has is, and she gets patches, the new drug.
I can not recall who it is, but there are drug companies who give you the meds if you can not afford them. Call his doctor and ask. If that fails, look up who makes his med, look up a phone number for it, because they always have one, and ask about drug assistance.
Good Luck
2006-10-15 08:55:43 · answer #1 · answered by Oorah Wife 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Concerta works wonders on my 6 year old son. It was difficult at first till the side effects wore of f plus the doctor added more medication to it for his mood and to help him sleep. All the concerta did bad was take his appeitate away for a few weeks and he had problems going to sleep but your doctor can help with that. I did not like Ritalin, it was horrible on my son and i have heard that a lot as people as well had a bad effect with that! concerta is great it takes time for the doctor to find the right dose for your kid.
2006-10-15 08:17:07 · answer #2 · answered by daisy322_98 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have been taking ritalin since I was 4 and when I got in highschool I switched to the generic and in it did not work for me at all. I went on Concerta too. For some people with ADHD it worked for me it didn't.
2006-10-15 07:06:20 · answer #3 · answered by satanicsex101 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i had taken concerta for about 1year and a half but i quickly lost 20 pounds in the 5/6th grade. doctors say that stratara is one of the best choices dont choose ritalin ive heard that the side effects are not so good
2006-10-15 07:31:23 · answer #4 · answered by Jeppy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The only people that frown on generic medication, regardless if its for ADHD is the pharma company. The only difference between name brand and generic are the inactive ingredients used to make the pill or tablet. The active ingredient in both are the same.
2006-10-15 07:09:45 · answer #5 · answered by AJ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have a son who takes Vyvanse for his ADD, how ever he did use to take Concerta. When he was on the Concerta and I made a decision to take him off of it for the summer because I did not feel the need to medicate him for the summer, He did fine. He was a little more "active" then usual but he did not have any side effects from coming off on the drug. I would still talk to your doctor to get their advice but, I am sure he will be fine. Good luck
2016-05-22 04:18:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stick with Concerta, Ritalin I have heard is not so great. it should be about $20.00, is it? That is not much. Make some smart choices like if you smoke, stop! You are spending A LOT of money to hurt yourself and others, if you eat out everyday, STOP! Eat out once or twice a week and eat at home more often. Good luck you sound like a concerned parent! :)
2006-10-15 08:00:43 · answer #7 · answered by SerahSpy 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Only a doctor should change the medication. If you are having a hard time paying for it, try to find other ways to cut down on expenses. Your son's welfare is more important.
Talk to his doctor and see if he thinks something else cheaper will work. All kids are different. What works on one, might not work on another.
2006-10-15 07:24:07 · answer #8 · answered by Cat Lover 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What k10sbride said is a huge answer to the problem. The pharmaceutical industry manufactures "disorders" and "diseases" that are nothing of the sort.... In the vast majority of situations, diet, discipline, fitness and adequate sleep will be a superior "cure".
2006-10-15 07:04:24 · answer #9 · answered by Heatmizer 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i would not give my child ritalin..I have heard of ritalin having long term affects and refuse to give my child that..my boy has autism..and adhd..
Maybe change his diet, or let him play harder outside..help him get a hobbie that would help with settling him down..with my boy if he goes outside it helps alot
2006-10-15 07:08:05 · answer #10 · answered by away right now 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋