Plasma concentration over time — Focalin XR vs Concerta

Modeled from published Cmax/Tmax and each formulation's release engineering. Focalin XR = bimodal bead release (two peaks); Concerta = OROS ascending osmotic release (one broad peak). Your scripts (Focalin XR 10 mg, Concerta 18 mg) are pre-selected.

Focalin XR — dexmethylphenidate (d-isomer measured) Concerta — methylphenidate (total d+l measured)

Y-axis

Focalin XR doses

Concerta doses

Reading it: In Normalized mode every curve is scaled to its own peak so you compare shape only — the bimodal-vs-ascending contrast is the robust, dose-independent fact. In Absolute mode Focalin's curve sits higher per mg because only the potent d-isomer is measured, while Concerta's number is total d+l — so height is not a fair effect comparison across the two drugs.