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Concerta Dosing
Dosing guidelines when using Concerta to treat ADHD will vary, depending on several factors, such as age and if other medical conditions are present. People generally start with a low Concerta dose, which is increased slowly and only if necessary. The medication is designed to be taken first thing in the morning because if taken later in the day, it can cause problems sleeping.
The dosage 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 be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust this dose unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
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 Dosages for People New to Methylphenidate
|
Age
|
Starting Dosage
|
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*
|
|
18 to 65 years old
|
18 or 36 mg once daily
|
72 mg once daily
|
Refer to the following table for the dose of Concerta for people who have previously taken methylphenidate:
Concerta Dosages for People Who Have Been on Methylphenidate
|
Previous Dose
|
Starting Dose
|
|
5 mg two or three times a day
|
18 mg once daily
|
|
10 mg two or three times a day
|
36 mg once daily
|
|
15 mg two or three times a day
|
54 mg once daily
|
|
20 mg two or three times a day
|
72 mg once daily
|
Generally, the lower amount should be tried first. The dose should be increased slowly and only if necessary.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD