Concerta

A healthcare provider may prescribe Concerta to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although Concerta is a stimulant, it can cause a calming effect when used in the doses to treat ADHD. Concerta comes in a tablet form and is designed to be released slowly over time. As a result, it can be taken just once a day first thing in the morning. As with any medication, there are potential side effects of Concerta, including insomnia, headaches, and a loss of appetite.

 

What Is Concerta?

Concerta® (methylphenidate extended release) is a prescription medication that is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 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.
 
Because Concerta is a stimulant and is commonly abused, there are special rules for prescribing Concerta (see Concerta: A Controlled Substance).
 
(Click Concerta Uses for more information on uses of Concerta, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Concerta?

Concerta is manufactured by ALZA Corporation.
 

How Does Concerta Work?

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, Concerta has a calming effect. While the exact way Concerta produces a calming effect is not known, it is known that Concerta affects 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 of Concerta. The inner part releases the rest of the medication slowly over time.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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