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Concerta Warnings and Precautions
Some Concerta warnings and precautions include potential drug interactions, the possibility of sudden death when Concerta is taken by people with heart problems, and the danger of taking the medication while pregnant. Prior to taking Concerta, be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have any kind of heart problems, high blood pressure, or any allergies. You should not take Concerta if you have glaucoma or severe anxiety.
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Concerta® (methylphenidate extended release) if you have:
- Heart problems of any kind, including heart disease, congestive heart failure, certain irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or if you have recently had a heart attack
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Mental illness, including bipolar disorder (manic depression) and psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder)
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Tourette syndrome
- Glaucoma (a condition of the eye)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Difficulty swallowing
- Intestinal blockages or intestinal obstructions
- A history of drug or alcohol abuse
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding.
It is also important to also tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD