Concerta Sexual Side Effects

Does Concerta cause sexual side effects? In clinical studies, 1.7 percent of adults taking Concerta reported a decrease in sex drive, and less than 1 percent reported erectile dysfunction. If you are taking Concerta and sexual side effects occur, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider to learn about other treatment options.

ADHD Medication -- Concerta

An Overview of Concerta Sexual Side Effects

Concerta^® (methylphenidate extended release) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A few sexual side effects have been reported in studies of Concerta for adult ADHD.

Understanding Clinical Trials

Before medicines are approved, they must go through several clinical studies where thousands of people are given a particular medicine and are then compared to a group of people not given the medicine. In these studies, the side effects are always documented. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine. Side effects are then usually separated into those side effects that occur in more than 1 percent of people and those that occur in less than 1 percent of people.

In studies in adults, 1.7 percent of people taking Concerta reported a decrease in sex drive (libido), compared to only 0.5 percent of people taking a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients). Impotence (erectile dysfunction, or ED) was reported as a rare side effect, occurring in less than 1 percent of people.

Concerta and Sexual Side Effects: Suggestions

It is impossible for your healthcare provider to know whether you will develop any sexual side effects while taking Concerta. Also, if a person does develop sexual side effects, such as impotence or a decrease in libido, it is difficult to know whether these problems are caused by another condition or by Concerta itself.

If you develop any sexual side effects while taking Concerta, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider. There is treatment that he or she may be able to recommend, such as an erectile dysfunction medication. Depending on the severity of your sexual side effects, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your Concerta dosage or try another ADHD treatment.