Concerta (Methylphenidate ER) is a widely prescribed medication for managing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in both children and adults. Designed to help improve focus, control impulses, and reduce hyperactivity, Concerta is an extended-release formula that provides steady symptom management throughout the day.
Whether you’re considering Concerta for yourself or a loved one, understanding how it works, its benefits, potential side effects, and proper usage is crucial for effective treatment.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about Concerta to help you make informed decisions about ADHD management.
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurological disorder that affects mental capabilities, especially in children. As the name indicates, the child cannot focus and is usually hyperactive.
However, it is not age-specific as it can occur in the adult population and can also include other symptoms, such as impulsivity, excessive talking, forgetting things, Difficulty organizing tasks, and many more. Unfortunately, it can significantly affect the quality of your life if left untreated.
What is Concerta?
Concerta is the brand name of methylphenidate, which is a central nervous stimulant. It helps to increase certain brain chemicals, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine produces feelings of motivation and reward, while norepinephrine plays a vital role in the brain’s ability to pay attention. Concerta potentiates the effects of these chemicals in the brain, alleviating symptoms. Concerta for ADHD is one the most long-lasting extended-release drugs that offers multiple benefits.
Dosage of Concerta for ADHD
Concerta is an Extended-Release (ER) form of methylphenidate. Once taken orally, it slowly releases the active ingredient inside the body, which helps to prolong the therapeutic effects with fewer doses. It is available in 4 strengths with different colors:
- 18 mg (yellow)
- 27 mg (gray)
- 36 mg (white)
- 54 mg (brownish-red)
For treating ADHD in adults, it is usually recommended to start with an 18 or 36 mg dose daily. However, your doctor can increase the dose by 18mg every week to a maximum of 72mg daily, depending on the patient’s condition and response to the medication to find the suitable dose.
However, for children aged 6 or above, it is usually started with 18mg per day but can be titrated up to 54mg per day in increments of 18mg per week if necessary.
To achieve the best results, Concerta is generally taken once daily, in the morning, with or without food; it should be taken at the same time every day.
What is Concerta used for?
Concerta is used to improve the symptoms of ADHD in children and adults. It helps you to pay attention perform daily tasks and stay focused. It also helps to organize the tasks and pay full attention. Moreover, it helps in controlling excessive movements and improves behavioral skills.
Apart from ADHD, Concerta is also used as an off-label medication to treat narcolepsy or depression.
What are the side effects of Concerta?
It is possible to experience mild to moderate side effects when taking Concerta. There are some common side effects in adults while using medication, such as:
- Loss of appetite causing weight loss
- Difficulty sleeping
- Headaches
- Depressed, anxious, or aggressive mood
- Small increase in blood pressure or heart rate
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety and Depression
- Severe allergic reaction
Is Concerta a controlled substance?
Yes, Concerta is a controlled substance, which means that there is a high risk of physical and psychological dependency that can lead to drug abuse. People with ADHD may abuse this drug to improve school or work performance. Concerta is also in control of the federal government due to the expected dependency on the medication. Concerta is a better option for treatment. To avoid misuse, it is only given on a doctor’s prescription.
Benefits of Concerta for ADHD Treatment
Concerta (Methylphenidate ER) can reduce the need for multiple doses with its once-daily dose. Concerta for ADHD provides effective management for its symptoms, including impulse control, focus, attention, hyperactivity, and concentration in work. The use of Concerta improves productivity, increases relationships, and improves the quality of life for individuals with ADHD.
Difference between Immediate-Release vs. extended-release methylphenidate
Methylphenidate can be taken in Immediate-Release (IR) or Extended-Release (ER) form. They usually have different brand names. For example, a famous Immediate-Release methylphenidate is sold under the brand name Ritalin, whereas extended-release methylphenidate is sold under the brand name Concerta. There is also a sustained-release form of methylphenidate with the brand name Ritalin SR.
The main difference between these forms is the duration of action. Ritalin works for around 2-4 hours, Ritalin SR works for 3-8 hours, and Concerta works for around 8-12 hours. Therefore, for sustained therapeutic effects of methylphenidate, frequent dosing of Ritalin is required, whereas Concerta can be used once or twice daily.
Conclusion:
Concerta is a central nervous stimulant that increases brain chemicals responsible for motivation and attention. This medication is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD and improves attention span, organizing tasks, and controlling behavior.
It has different strengths, with a recommended starting dose of 18mg per day in children and 18-36mg per day in adults. It gradually increases by 18mg per week to a maximum dose of 54mg in children and 72mg in adults.
Since it is an extended-release formula of methylphenidate, it works for 8-12 hours and thus needs to be taken once or twice a day, as compared to Ritalin, an immediate-release form of methylphenidate, which needs to be taken multiple times a day since it works for 2-4 hours only.
