Posted by momofdnd on September 5, 2006, at 7:52:10
In reply to Re: PLEASE HELP! concerta dosage conversion? » alohashirt, posted by liliths on September 2, 2006, at 14:47:47
As my Doctor explained it to me. Focalin is pretty much the same as concerta except they cut out all the filler ingredients that don't serve any purpose. Unlike concerta, Focalin is a time extended, not a time released. When you first take it, it comes on with a "punch" and continues with the same strength for 12 hours. This is how my Doctor explained it to me and she was totally correct in her explaination. I have felt better in the past week then I have felt in a long time. I enjoy my job, I am communicating well, my house is clean, just to mention a few of my accomplishments in only one week. Normally the Dr. will start you out with a small dosage then work up a week intervals. My Doctor choose to just jump my to the full dosage right off the bat and wow...what a difference it has made.
If I were you I would ask your Doctor. This is a new drug out so that why you probably haven't heard much about it. All I can say about it is "God bless the scientist that made it and my Doctor for prescribing it to me." For me, it is a miracle drug. You see, I was addicted to crank for many years and have been off of it for 18 months. For the first time in 18 months I feel that there is hope that I will be able to function again...
If you Doctor decides to let you try it, it him/her up for a coupon. They should have free coupons for the first month. My Doctor gave me one. Good luck.> thank you so much for the info and I'll check out previous posts as recommended... I'm curious to know what's better about it
>
> I see my pdoc in a few weeks and will to ask about it. Looks like my insurance may cover it, but at a 'premium' rate and I'll also need to find out what their 'cap' is since they supposedly top out concerta at 72mg and ritalin at 60mg (I'll know that for certain when I receive my next statement since it went through the pharmacy ok... insurance companies drive me crazy (crazier? :)
>
> thanks again for your help
> namaste,
> lilith
>
> > Two points -
> > 1. focalin xr is similar but better than concerta see old posts here. 55mg focalin xr = 108mg Concerta
> > 2. To get insurance to pay correct amount you may need to appeal with a letter from your pdoc. the insurance coimpany should pay.
> >
> >
> >
> > > ahhh.... now I get it LOL
> > >
> > > I just did a search for focilin & it sounds interesting - and strong! It's referred to as "refined Ritalin"
> > >
> > > I assume (dangerous I know :) if you're only taking it once, you're probably taking the extended version, as they recommend multiple doses on the standard. Maybe you'll even be able to stop your late afternoon dose of ritalin
> > >
> > > I certainly hope it helps :) Please keep me posted on your progress with it.
> > >
> > > good luck!
> > > namaste,
> > > lilith
> > >
> > >
> > > > I didn't switch from concerta to methylphidate. I take the concerta in the a.m. and methylphidate in the p.m.
> > > >
> > > > I did just go to the doctor yesterday and she took me off of the concerta and put me on 20 mg of focilin. WOW I am feeling "geeky" today. I am sure after a few days I will feel better. She said the difference between concerta and focilin is that all the feeler junk is left out and it is not time released but time extended...the focilin hits you like a brick wall and continues at the same pace for twelve hours. Plus I am still taking the methylphidate in the late afternoon.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
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poster:momofdnd
thread:680492
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060901/msgs/683253.html