He was referring to Ritalin sustained release, which is the exact same thing as Concerta, both are methylphenidate time-release.
Adderall is in part dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) so you have nothing to worry about in that respect. I think you've made the right choice choosing Adderall over Concerta, as it's superior in every department.
Actually sustain-release has a different mechanism than the extended-release, well at least in the case of methylphenidate medications.
OP, please refer to these documents for additional info
RITALIN LA (extended release)
http://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/cs/www.pharma.us.novartis.com/product/pi/pdf/ritalin_la.pdf
RITALIN SR (sustained release)
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/010187s069,018029s040,021284s011lbl.pdf
Basically, the Ritalin LA produces a bi-modal plasma concentration-time profile with two distinct peaks (approx. 4 hours apart, with the first peak within 30 min of ingestion like with IR). It has the exact same release mechanism of Concerta. Thus one can feel like the experience is like a roller-coaster and that is why a lot people prefer a more consistent medication. For someone like me with high metabolism, Concerta and Ritalin LA can only last up to approx. 4-5 hrs at most.
Ritalin SR tablets feels more gradual (instead of two peaks, you get more of a prolonged peak plasma), because it is absorbed extremely well by the body like regular IR tablets.
Ritalin-SR tablets can have duration up to approx. 8 hrs
" Relative bioavailability of the SR tablet compared to the Ritalin tablet, measured by
the urinary excretion of Ritalin major metabolite (α-phenyl-2-piperidine acetic acid) was
105% (49%-168% ) in children and 101% (85%-152% ) in adults. The time to peak rate in
children was 4.7 hours (1.3-8.2 hours) for the SR tablets and 1.9 hours (0.3-4.4 hours) for the
tablets. An average of 67% of SR tablet dose was excreted in children as compared to 86% in
adults. "
And if you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and panic attacks, steer away from Adderall. The levo-amp in the salt mixture is the main contributor to the many peripheral effects of the medication. It wouldn't hurt to ask your doctor about Dexedrine IR, which only contains the d-amp, the active component that alleviates ADD/ADHD symptoms. Essentially, Adderall has 3.75mg of d-mp in their 5mg IR tablets. You can then calculate what the proper dosage if you decide to test out the Dexedrine.
Although, I'd also recommend sampling the Ritalin-SR first. Great efficacy on enhancing cognitive ability, but like all mph medications, it's better utilized for getting a lot of work done that requires empirical knowledge (like math, doing accounting work, etc). While Dexedrine is like the relaxed, chilled out relative of Adderall, and thus have higher potential for abuse. Dexedrine can make you more extroverted and talkative too, a great confidence booster.
And I should add, Klonopin (Clonazepam) that you take for GAD is probably what is responsible for the lethargic/tired/sleepy feeling you that you got (coincidentally the same time you trialed with Concerta). How much do you take on a daily basis? You should tell your doctor about this, he/she might suggest you to split the dosage or take them only when necessary. If it were me, I would take the kpins later on, long after the my ADD meds have worn off to counteract the anxious feelings from a stimulant comedown. This way you can utilize both medications without dulling one another. OR half the prescribed dosage when you start to feel uncomfortable during the peak of your ADD meds.
