DoseCompass / Medications / Concerta
Concerta
methylphenidate OROS · Methylphenidate class
Methylphenidate in an osmotic pump that releases an ascending dose across 10–12 hours. Its milligrams don’t map 1:1 onto Ritalin’s — 18 mg Concerta ≈ 15 mg/day of IR.
*Approximate U.S. cash price for a 30-day supply with a free discount card, mid-2026. Compare current prices on GoodRx.
Available strengths
18 mg · 27 mg · 36 mg · 54 mg
How long it lasts
Typical effective duration is 10–12 hours, though metabolism, sleep, and food timing move this meaningfully for individuals. See how it compares to every other product on the duration chart.
Approximate dose equivalents
Every marketed Concerta strength translated into five common alternatives (total-daily-dose basis). Cross-class figures (†) use the rough ~2:1 amphetamine↔methylphenidate heuristic and are the least precise.
| Concerta | Adderall IR | Adderall XR | Vyvanse | Ritalin IR | Focalin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 mg | ≈ 10 † | ≈ 10 † | ≈ 24.9 † | ≈ 14.9 | ≈ 7.5 |
| 27 mg | ≈ 14.9 † | ≈ 14.9 † | ≈ 37.4 † | ≈ 22.4 | ≈ 11.2 |
| 36 mg | ≈ 19.9 † | ≈ 19.9 † | ≈ 49.8 † | ≈ 29.9 | ≈ 14.9 |
| 54 mg | ≈ 29.9 † | ≈ 29.9 † | ≈ 74.7 † | ≈ 44.8 | ≈ 22.4 |
All values ≈ mg/day, from published cross-titration references and product labeling. For a custom dose or frequency, use the interactive converter.
Common questions
What strengths does Concerta come in?
Concerta (methylphenidate OROS) is available in: 18, 27, 36, 54 mg.
How long does Concerta last?
Typical effective duration is 10–12 hours, though individual metabolism varies.
Is there a generic Concerta?
Yes. With a free discount card, a typical 30-day supply runs about $28–75 without insurance.
What is Concerta equivalent to?
As a total-daily-dose approximation, Concerta 36 mg is ≈ 19.9 mg Adderall XR, ≈ 49.8 mg Vyvanse, ≈ 29.9 mg/day methylphenidate (Ritalin). These are discussion figures from published cross-titration references — cross-class conversions are rougher, and actual switches are titrated by your prescriber.