Are Going concerta side effects in adults?(Jan 2024)

Concerta is a brand-name prescription drug that contains the active ingredient methylphenidate

Concerta is a brand-name prescription drug that contains the active ingredient methylphenidate. It is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults

. Concerta is an extended-release formulation, with approximately 22% of the dose being immediate-release and the remaining 78% being released over 10-12 hours post-ingestion. It is important to be aware of potential interactions with other drugs, supplements, and certain foods and drinks when taking Concerta, as these can affect its effectiveness and lead to adverse effects. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any other medications or supplements alongside Concerta.

Concerta work to treat ADHD

Concerta is a central nervous system stimulant that contains methylphenidate, which is believed to increase the levels of two brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine, that help improve focus and concentration

. Concerta works by improving the way parts of the brain communicate with each other, similar to other stimulant medications for ADHD. 

It is an extended-release medication that is slowly released into the body throughout the day, with a single dose lasting up to 12 hours

. Concerta is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in children and adults between the ages of 6 and 65

. It is important to follow the doctor's instructions when taking Concerta and report any side effects right away.

Prescribed doses

The prescribed doses of Concerta (methylphenidate) depend on the age of the patient, the type of medication, and the severity of the condition. For children, the usual starting dose is 5mg, given once or twice a day, which may be increased gradually until the optimal dose is reached. For adults, the average dose is 20 to 30 milligrams (mg) per day, taken 2 or 3 times a day, and the maximum recommended dose is 100mg daily in 2-3 divided doses. 

The dose may be increased gradually at weekly intervals by 5-10mg daily, depending upon tolerance. Concerta is an extended-release medication that is slowly released into the body throughout the day, with a single dose lasting up to 12 hours. It is important to follow the doctor's instructions when taking Concerta and report any side effects right away.

Here is a table summarizing the typical dose ranges of Concerta by age:

Age range	Concerta dose range
6 to 12 years	18 mg to 54 mg
13 to 17 years	18 mg to 72 mg
18 to 65 years	18 mg to 72 mg

For children, the usual starting dose is 5 mg, given once or twice a day, which may be increased gradually until the optimal dose is reached. For adults, the average dose is 20 to 30 milligrams (mg) per day, taken 2 or 3 times a day, and the maximum recommended dose is 100 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses. The dose may be increased gradually at weekly intervals by 5-10 mg daily, depending upon tolerance. Concerta is an extended-release medication that is slowly released into the body throughout the day, with a single dose lasting up to 12 hours

. It is important to follow the doctor's instructions when taking Concerta and report any side effects right away.

Common side effects

Concerta, a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can cause various side effects. Some of the more common side effects include:

• Decreased appetite
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain
• Increased sweating
• Headache
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Weight loss
• Irritability
• Decreased libido
• Upper abdominal pain (in children)
• Diarrhea
• Feeling more tired than usual

These side effects may be temporary and last a few days or weeks. However, if they persist or become bothersome, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional. Some serious side effects that have been reported with Concerta include heart-related problems, such as stroke and heart attack, which can manifest as chest pain or discomfort, trouble breathing, fainting, or pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of Concerta (methylphenidate)

The symptoms of Concerta (methylphenidate) can vary from mild to severe. Some of the more common side effects include decreased appetite, dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, abdominal pain, increased sweating, headache, nausea, anxiety, weight loss, and irritability. These side effects may be temporary and last a few days or weeks. However, if they persist or become bothersome, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional. 

Some serious side effects that have been reported with Concerta include heart-related problems, such as stroke and heart attack, which can manifest as chest pain or discomfort, trouble breathing, fainting, or pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Other serious side effects include allergic reactions, mood or personality changes, uncontrolled muscle movements, seizures, and psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

 Conclusion

Concerta is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It contains the active ingredient methylphenidate, which is a central nervous system stimulant that works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, improving focus and concentration. Concerta is an extended-release medication that is slowly released into the body throughout the day, with a single dose lasting up to 12 hours. The prescribed doses of Concerta depend on the age of the patient, the type of medication, and the severity of the condition. While Concerta can be effective in treating ADHD, it can also cause various side effects, ranging from mild to severe. It is important to follow the doctor's instructions when taking Concerta and report any side effects right away. If you experience any serious side effects, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.