Concerta is a brand of methylphenidate, one of the most common and well-studied medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD. Concerta is an extended-release formula, which means that it stays in the body longer and requires fewer daily doses.
Many other versions of methylphenidate work faster than Concerta but do not work as long, so a person may need to take several pills per day. Concerta is one brand of a drug called methylphenidate. Other brands of the drug include RitalinEquasym, and Daytrana.
Although all versions of methylphenidate are central nervous system stimulants, each brand is available in slightly different dosages and formulations. Concerta is an extended-release formula, which means that a person typically takes fewer doses than would be necessary with an immediate-release formula.
Concerta works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Concerta helps boost the activity of these chemicals in the brain. Methylphenidate has a short half-lifewhich means that the body metabolizes it quickly.
When using a medication with a short half-life, people may need to take several daily doses to get consistent results. People with ADHD — children in particular — may have trouble remembering to take several pills throughout the day, and inconsistency can limit the effectiveness of the treatment.
Extended-release formulations, such as Concerta, offer a solution. Immediately after a person swallows this type of pill, the outer shell dissolves, allowing for rapid delivery of the medication. Throughout the day, the inner shell of the drug dissolves gradually, delivering more of the drug at a slow, consistent rate.
Doctors sometimes prescribe stimulants such as Concerta on an off-label basis to treat other conditions. People with certain sleep disorders, such as narcolepsymay use Concerta when other drugs fail. Some people take methylphenidate for depressionthough it has a high risk of abuse and dependency in people with depression.
Concerta tends to increase blood pressure and pulse modestly. In some people, however, it can cause dangerous hypertension or an uncomfortably rapid heart rate. A doctor will regularly monitor the heart rate and blood pressure of a person taking Concerta.
Very rarelyConcerta may cause or contribute to a strokeheart attackor sudden death due to heart health issues. People with structural or other abnormalities of the heart and people with a history of heart disease are more vulnerable to these complications.
For adults and children under 65 years old who are not taking methylphenidate, the guidelines are as follows:. It is not necessary to take Concerta with a meal, but a person who experiences decreased appetite may want to eat breakfast before taking it.