Is taking Concerto like taking Cocaine?

Answer

The short answer is yes. If you take the Concerta as directed, it will probably feel similar to a very low dose of cocaine, but it will last much longer.
Concerta is an extended release form of Methylphenidate (Ritalin). Methylphenidate and cocaine have the same mode of action - they inhibit the re-uptake of dopamine, which increases dopamine levels in the brain. Methylphenidate will substitute for Cocaine in rat discrimination studies, and drug users often describe snorting methylphenidate as similar to snorting cocaine.

That said, there are several important differences. First, methylphenidate has more side effects, a longer half life, and is not absorbed very well by the body. This limits it's addiction potential somewhat. Also, Concerta is designed to release only small amounts of the drug, while most cocaine users take large amounts all at once.
All stimulant drugs, including Concerta, can be addictive, and they are all relatively damaging to the body and brain if used excessively.

>>M.T.<<
 

Answer

ADD/ADHD Drugs like Concerta and Ritalin are metabolized into some of the same chemical compounds as Amphetamines and you WILL show a positive on a UA for the amphetamine drug family.

 

Answer

As someone with a concerta script, I have to say that the above statement is incorrect, and concerta is not similar enough to amphetamines that it will cause a positive on a UA. The author is just speculating and hasn't done his research.