Concerta Dosing

The Concerta dosing guidelines for people with ADHD will vary depending on several factors, such as age, other medical conditions you may have, and other medications you may currently be taking. It is recommended that you start on a lower dosage of Concerta, with the dosage being increased slowly and only if necessary. Concerta is designed to be taken first thing in the morning because if it is taken later in the day, it can cause problems sleeping.

 

An Overview of Concerta Dosing

The dose of Concerta® (methylphenidate extended release) your healthcare provider prescribes will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other ADHD medications you may have tried
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Concerta Dosage for ADHD

Refer to the following table for the Concerta dosage for people who have never taken methylphenidate (including Metadate CD®, Metadate ER®, Methylin®, Ritalin®, Ritalin LA®, or Ritalin SR®).
 
 Concerta Dosage for People New to Methylphenidate
Age
Concerta Starting Dosage
Concerta Maximum Dosage
6 to 12 years old
18 mg once daily
54 mg once daily
13 to 17 years old
18 mg once daily
72 mg once daily*
* This maximum dose should not be greater than 0.9 mg per pound of body weight.
 
Refer to the following table for the Concerta dosage for people who have previously taken methylphenidate:
 
Concerta Dose for People Who Have Been on Methylphenidate
Previous Methylphenidate Dose (Total Dose Per Day)
Concerta Starting Dose
Concerta Maximum Dose
10-15 mg
18 mg once daily
72 mg once daily
20-30 mg
36 mg once daily
72 mg once daily
30-45 mg
54 mg once daily
72 mg once daily

 

Generally, the lower dosage of Concerta should be tried first. The dosage should be increased slowly and only if necessary.
 
(Concerta Dosing Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;