Concerta
® (
methylphenidate extended release) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (
ADHD) in children, teens, and adults up to age 65. It is designed to be released slowly over time. Because the medication is released slowly, it can be taken just once a day, eliminating the need to take medication at school or work.
Concerta is manufactured by ALZA Corporation, and is distributed and marketed by McNeil Pediatrics.
Concerta is a stimulant, although it has effects that are opposite from what would be expected of a stimulant. While stimulants (like caffeine) can cause hyperactivity, this medication has a calming effect. While the exact way the drug produces this effect is not known, it is known to affect certain chemicals in the brain
(see Methylphenidate and D2 Receptors).
Concerta is a tablet that is released in two stages: The outer part of the tablet dissolves quickly and releases an immediate dose. The inner part releases the rest of the medication slowly over time.
Several studies have looked at using Concerta for
ADHD symptoms. The following paragraphs highlight some of the results of these ADHD research studies.
ADHD in Children
In one study, children with ADHD who took Concerta had significant improvement in their symptoms, compared to children with the condition who did not take the drug. The improvements were reported by teachers who were asked to rate the symptoms of ADHD in the children.
ADHD in Teenagers or Adults
In other studies, teenagers or adults (up to age 65) with ADHD who took Concerta had greater improvements in their symptoms than teenagers or adults with ADHD who did not take it.
Some general considerations for when and how to take Concerta include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth once a day first thing in the morning.
- You can take Concerta with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- The tablets are specially designed to release the medication slowly over time, so it is important to swallow them whole. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
- For Concerta to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Concerta your healthcare provider prescribes will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Other ADHD medications you have tried
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Concerta. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
Concerta can also cause
high blood pressure. Usually, this increase in
blood pressure is temporary and does not cause any problems. In addition, the drug can increase the chance of
seizures and can make certain heart conditions and mental problems worse.
(Click Concerta Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Concerta?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug if you (or your child) have:
- Heart problems of any kind, including:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Concerta may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Hyperactivity (trouble sitting still)
- Fast breathing
- Confusion
- Fever
- Muscle pains
- Shakiness
- Aggressiveness
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there).
If you happen to overdose on the drug, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Concerta Be Stored?
Concerta should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Concerta as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember in the morning. If you do not remember until the afternoon, skip the dose; taking the medication after morning can cause trouble sleeping at night. Do not take a double dose.
Concerta tablets are available in four strengths:
- Concerta 18 mg
- Concerta 27 mg
- Concerta 36 mg
- Concerta 54 mg.
Generic Concerta
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