DoseCompass / Medications / Ritalin LA
Ritalin LA
methylphenidate ER · Methylphenidate class
Bimodal extended-release methylphenidate — two pulses covering 6–8 hours, sitting between Ritalin IR and Concerta on the duration spectrum.
*Approximate U.S. cash price for a 30-day supply with a free discount card, mid-2026. Compare current prices on GoodRx.
Available strengths
10 mg · 20 mg · 30 mg · 40 mg
How long it lasts
Typical effective duration is 6–8 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 Ritalin LA 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.
| Ritalin LA | Adderall IR | Adderall XR | Vyvanse | Ritalin IR | Concerta | Focalin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mg | ≈ 6.7 † | ≈ 6.7 † | ≈ 16.7 † | ≈ 10 | ≈ 12 | ≈ 5 |
| 20 mg | ≈ 13.3 † | ≈ 13.3 † | ≈ 33.3 † | ≈ 20 | ≈ 24.1 | ≈ 10 |
| 30 mg | ≈ 20 † | ≈ 20 † | ≈ 50 † | ≈ 30 | ≈ 36.1 | ≈ 15 |
| 40 mg | ≈ 26.7 † | ≈ 26.7 † | ≈ 66.7 † | ≈ 40 | ≈ 48.2 | ≈ 20 |
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 Ritalin LA come in?
Ritalin LA (methylphenidate ER) is available in: 10, 20, 30, 40 mg.
How long does Ritalin LA last?
Typical effective duration is 6–8 hours, though individual metabolism varies.
Is there a generic Ritalin LA?
Yes. With a free discount card, a typical 30-day supply runs about $35–80 without insurance.
What is Ritalin LA equivalent to?
As a total-daily-dose approximation, Ritalin LA 30 mg is ≈ 20 mg Adderall XR, ≈ 50 mg Vyvanse, ≈ 30 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.