Concerta Side Effects: An Introduction
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with
Concerta® (
methylphenidate extended release). However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Concerta well. When people do develop Concerta side effects, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by your or your healthcare provider.
(The side effects discussed below are not a complete list of the side effects reported with Concerta. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Concerta side effects with you.)
Common Concerta Side Effects
Concerta has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. 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.
Based on these studies, the most common side effects of Concerta include:
- Headaches -- occurring in up to 14 percent of people
- Tics (uncontrolled movements) -- in up to 9 percent
- Upper respiratory infections (similar to the common cold) -- in up to 8 percent
- Abdominal pain (or stomach pain) -- in up to 7 percent
- Accidental injury -- in up to 6 percent
- Insomnia -- in up to 5 percent
- Vomiting -- in up to 4 percent
- Loss of appetite -- in up to 4 percent
- Cough -- in up to 4 percent
- Irritated or sore throat -- in up to 4 percent
- Sinus infection or irritation -- in up to 3 percent
- Fever -- in up to 3 percent
- Irritated or runny nose -- in up to 3 percent
- Painful menstrual periods -- in up to 2 percent
- Diarrhea -- in up to 2 percent.
Concerta can also cause a temporary slowing of growth in children. This slowing of growth is usually small, and children usually catch up to within normal limits in time.
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