Concerta, a central nervous system stimulant widely used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder otherwise known as ADHD contains methylphenidate. Though there are stimulants that contain methylphenidate, Concerta is chosen above all because of its unique OROS deliver system. Concerta’s controlled release tablet mechanism releases 22% of medicine at first and releases rest of it gradually. Concerta that comes in 18mg, 27mg, 36mg and 54mg rules over few other stimulants for ADHD because of its availability in higher dose. Effects of Concerta stay longer for 10-12 hours so that children need to have it only once a day thus making it convenient for school goers.
Concerta is generally prescribed to children who are 6 years old and above. They may find it difficult to have as it cannot be chewed or crushed but to be swallowed. Consult a doctor for advice regarding consumption of Concerta because misuse may lead to severe problems in both adults and children. ADHD patients who have allergies to methylphenidate and other contents present, tension, anxiety, tics, glaucoma, esophagus, stomach, or intestinal narrowing, family history of Tourette’s syndrome etc are not allowed to take Concerta. If one is allergic to Concerta, reactions come in different forms like rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing etc. Hence be on guard after taking the stimulant.
Though it became popular and is approved by the FDA in 2000, Concerta has some side effects too. According to clinical studies common Concerta side effects seen among children are decreased appetite, headache, sleeplessness and stomach ache while Concerta side effects seen in adults are accidental injury, headache and sleeplessness. Consult doctor immediately when you notice constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, irritability, nausea, nervousness, lightheadedness, troubled vision, vomiting etc in children or adults. Other side effects of Concerta that requires doctor’s attention also include uncontrolled movements, verbal tics, weight loss, irregular heartbeat, agitation, aggression, mood swings, depression, abnormal thoughts and difficulty urinating. Other rare and visible side effects of Concerta are signs of infection like fever and persistent sore throat, easy bruising/bleeding, unable to breathe, chest pain, jaw/left arm pain, fainting, blurred vision, one side weakness of the body.
Even a medicine if overused turns out to be a poison. Apart from these Concerta side effects, longer misuse of the medicine may cause medicine dependency, abnormal behavior and also reduces its effect on the patient. Side effects of Concerta are not serious as compared with the benefits it gives the ADHD patient. If a doctor prescribes you a particular dose of Concerta for ADHD then he knows what is best for his patient.
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