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.

 

Concerta Dosage Information: An Overview

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 dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Concerta Dosing 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*
18 to 65 years old
18 or 36 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 dosage of Concerta for people who have previously taken methylphenidate:
 
Concerta Dose for People Who Have Been on Methylphenidate
Previous Methylphenidate Dose
Concerta 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 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;