December 2024 Concerta (stimulant) Medication Shortage

There are emerging shortages of extended release methylphenidate (Concerta and Methylphenidate-XR) that is likely to continue for around 10 months.

Currently GPs are able to prescribe stimulant medications under Victorian law if they obtain a permit to prescribe under the supervision of a Paediatrician or Psychiatrists.

If GPs are consulted by patients unable to access Concerta or equivalents, and if they have a permit for long acting methylphenidate, GP’s will be able to change to Ritalin LA (or equivalent brands) with a possible combinations of short acting Ritalin. The below table gives a guide to approximate equivalent doses

Switching from Concerta to Ritalin LA and Ritalin (short acting)

Concerta doseRough equivalent deliverable dose of short acting RitalinOption 1Option 2Afternoon top ups (if needed)
Concerta 186+6+6Ritalin LA 10 Ritalin 5
Concerta 279+9+9Ritalin LA 20 Ritalin 5-10
Concerta 3612+12+12Ritalin LA 20Ritalin LA 20 + Ritalin 5 maneRitalin 10
Concerta 4515+15+15Ritaln LA 30 Ritalin 10-15
Concerta 5418+18+18Ritalin LA 40Ritalin LA 30 + 5 maneRitalin 15
Concerta 6321+21+21Ritalin LA 40 Ritalin 15-20
Concerta 7224+24+24Ritaln LA 40 + Ritalin 5 maneRitalin LA 40 + Ritalin 10 maneRitalin 15-25