What Is Concerta?
Concerta is a sustained-release stimulant medication for ADHD. The active ingredient is methylphenidate, the same drug contained in Ritalin. Unlike Ritalin, Concerta is taken once daily and is available in doses of 18mg, 27mg, 36mg and 54mg. This formula offers some advantages over traditional Ritalin, but also has disadvantages for some people.
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Function
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Concerta is used to treat both childhood and adult ADHD. It works by stimulating the central nervous system, which improves attention and concentration in most people. It is also sometimes used to treat other conditions, including narcolepsy and clinical depression in people who cannot take antidepressants.
Effects
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Like any prescription drug, Concerta can cause side effects in some people who take it. The most common side effects include headache, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, reduced appetite and fast heartbeat. This drug may also raise blood pressure and has been associated with reduced height in children who take it for long periods of time. This drug may cause other side effects; any concerning symptoms that occurs when taking this or any medication should be reported to your doctor promptly.
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Considerations
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Not everyone who has ADHD should take Concerta. The drug is more likely to cause problems in people who have certain medical conditions, and in some cases may make medical conditions worse. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may need to use a different method of treatment for your condition. Talk to your doctor before using this medication if you have a history of drug abuse or addiction, high blood pressure, glaucoma, psychiatric problems, or kidney or liver problems. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other drugs, including over-the-counter medication, herbal remedies or recreational drugs.
Warning
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Concerta is a scheduled substance, which means that it can be a drug of abuse for some people. The drug may create tolerance and dependence, especially if you do not take it as prescribed. Never allow anyone to take this drug other than the person the medication is prescribed for. Giving or selling this medication to another person is a felony.
Features
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The time-release mechanism for Concerta tablets works in a novel way. Most sustained release drugs simply contain fillers that increase the amount of time it takes for tablets to break down. This can lead to inconsistent dosing, since individual differences in the pH and composition of digestive fluids alter the rate at which tablets break down. Concerta capsules use a three-stage system to release methylphenidate. Twenty-two percent of the drug coats the outside of the capsule and is released immediately. This uncovers a tiny, laser-drilled hole at one end of the capsule, from which the rest of the drug escapes over time. Inside the capsule, there are three compartments. Two compartments contain methylphenidate, and the third contains a material that swells like a sponge as it becomes wet. As the material swells, it slowly pushes the medication through the laser-drilled hole and into the stomach or small intestine, where it is absorbed. The capsule itself is made of plastic and passes through the digestive system intact.
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