Concerta Uses

Based on extensive clinical trials, Concerta has been shown to help children and teenagers who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Concerta is technically a stimulant, but when used in the doses to treat ADHD, the medication has a calming effect. The medication has not been approved for use in children younger than six years old. At this time, there are a few off-label Concerta uses, such as treating narcolepsy, helping with weight loss, and treating depression.

 

What Is Concerta Used For? -- An Overview

Concerta® (methylphenidate extended release) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
 
ADHD is a condition involving difficulty paying attention, sitting still, and controlling behavior. In ADHD, these problems are worse than expected for a typical child of the same age. Usually, the ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of seven to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also affect the school, work, or social life in a negative way to qualify as ADHD (see ADHD and School and Relationships and ADHD for more information).
 
Although ADHD is generally thought of as a problem in children, teenagers and adults can also have ADHD (see Adult ADHD). Diagnosing ADHD in adults is different than diagnosing ADHD in children.
 
Concerta has been shown in large clinical trials to help children and teenagers who have ADHD. In children and teenagers, Concerta can help them sit still and pay attention in the classroom and can help to improve behavior. Concerta is not approved for use in adults (see Concerta for Adults).
 
Any behavioral change involves a well-balanced ADHD treatment plan, including social, educational, and mental therapy (see Behavior Therapy for ADHD). If lifestyle changes alone are not effective in changing ADHD behavior, ADHD medications, such as Concerta, may be necessary.
 
(Concerta Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;