Concerta for ADHD

Concerta is a long-acting form of methylphenidate, a stimulant medication primarily used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It's typically taken once daily, in the morning, with doses ranging from 18mg to 54mg for children and up to 72mg for adults, depending on the individual's needs and response to the medication. Dosing should always be under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

It's important to not to chew or crush the tablets, as they are designed to release the medication slowly over time.

From a patient perspective, Concerta can help improve focus, attention, and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity, significantly improving the quality of life in individuals with ADHD. For many with emotional dysregulation related to their ADHD, it can often help with that.

Possible side effects can include:

• Decreased appetite

• Weight loss

• Dry mouth

• Headache

• Increased heart rate

• Blood pressure

• Difficulty sleeping

• Irritability.

  • Irritability can occur when the medication wears off in the afternoon in some cases.

• Some patients may also experience nausea or stomach upset but this is lessened by taking with food. This often improves after taking the medication for a week.

Less commonly, Concerta can cause more serious side effects such as mood changes, aggression, circulation problems, heart rhythm changes (arrhythmias), or uncontrolled movements or vocal outbursts (tics).

If you are your immediate family members have a history of arrhythmias or heart attacks, please get an EKG before starting this or any other stimulant medication.

If "wear off irritability" occurs each afternoon, please read this post for ideas.