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.
Concerta is manufactured by ALZA Corporation.
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.