Adhansia XR is a new extended-release methylphenidate. Its distinguishing feature is its 16-hour duration, which breaks the previous record of 12 hours set by Concerta, Cotempla, Aptensio, and Quillivant. In that respect it is similar to Mydayis, the 16-hour version of Adderall. Adhansia XR releases 20% of its methylphenidate through instant-release beads. The other 80% is distributed through controlled-release layers. The max dose (85 mg) is slightly higher than other methylphenidate products because the drug is distributed over a longer period of time.

In essence, Adhansia XR is equivalent to Ritalin LA dosed BID, or Concerta with an instant-release methylphenidate added on at the 12-hour mark. Those generic versions offer the same pharmacokinetics at one-third the cost, and allow patients to take less on days when 12 hours of coverage is enough.

Chris Aiken, MD.