What is Concerta: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Sep. 20, 2021  •  Published Dec. 30, 2020

Concerta overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Adhansia XR, Concerta, Cotempla XR-ODT, Jornay PM, Metadate ER, Methylin, QuilliChew ER, Quillivant XR, Relexxii, Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Ritalin LA, Ritalin

Generic Names:

  • Methylphenidate Hcl Er

Uses:

  • Treats ADHD. Also treats narcolepsy.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Central Nervous System Agent, CNS Stimulant

Forms:

  • Long Acting Dissolving Tablet, Long Acting Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Concerta used for?

Concerta comes in the form of a tablet and is indicated in the treatment of ADHD. It works by affecting chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Common side effects may include a headache, nausea, and stomach pain.

What form(s) does Concerta come in

  • Long Acting Dissolving Tablet

  • Long Acting Capsule

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

  • Long Acting Tablet

What are common Concerta doses?

  • Tablet 18mg

  • Tablet 27mg

  • Tablet 36mg

  • Tablet 54mg

Common Concerta prescriptions

  • Concerta
    30 tablets extended release bottle

  • Concerta
    90 tablets extended release bottle

  • Concerta
    18mg tablet

  • Concerta
    27mg tablet

  • Concerta
    36mg tablet

  • Concerta
    54mg tablet

How to take Concerta

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss a dose of Adhansia XR„¢, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your usual time.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the extended-release disintegrating tablets in the reusable travel case after removing them from the carton. Drop off any unused medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Extended-release capsule: Adhansia XR„¢: Take this medicine in the morning. You may take it with or without food, but take it the same way each time. Swallow it whole with water. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and sprinkle the medicine onto a tablespoon of applesauce or yogurt. Swallow this mixture without chewing, right away or within 10 minutes.Metadate CD®: Take your medicine in the morning before breakfast. Swallow it whole with water or other liquid. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and mix the medicine with a tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow this mixture right away, and then drink some water. Do not chew or crush the mixture.

  • Extended-release tablet: Take the medicine in the morning. Swallow it whole with water or other liquid. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Extended-release disintegrating tablet: Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water. Take the medicine in the morning. Do not crush or chew it.

  • Extended-release suspension: Take the medicine in the morning. Shake the bottle well for at least 10 seconds before you measure each dose. Measure the dose with the dispenser that comes with the medicine.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

  • Use only the brand of medicine your doctor prescribed. Other brands may not work the same way.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Concerta contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to methylphenidate, or if you have agitation, glaucoma, an overactive thyroid, muscle tics, or a history of Tourette syndrome.

Concerta warnings

  • Seizures

  • Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, circulation problems, phenylketonuria, thyroid problems, asthma, or a history of seizures, heart attack, or stroke. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of depression, suicide, bipolar disorder, mental health problems, or drug or alcohol abuse.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Serious heart or blood vessel problems, including heart attack and stroke (especially in people who already have heart problems)High blood pressureProlonged and painful erectionPeripheral vasculopathy (a blood circulation problem), including Raynaud's phenomenonSlow growth and weight loss in children

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Adhansia XR„¢ contains a yellow dye called tartrazine, which may cause severe allergic reactions. Tell your doctor if you have any allergies (including an aspirin allergy).

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • If you need surgery, tell the doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine. Medicines used during surgery can increase your blood pressure when used with this medicine.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Concerta interactions

  • Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days.

  • Some medicines can affect how methylphenidate works. The specific medicines and foods of concern are different for different brands of methylphenidate. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Guanethidine, phenylbutazoneAntacid or other stomach medicine (including esomeprazole, famotidine, omeprazole, pantoprazole, sodium bicarbonate)Blood pressure medicineBlood thinner (including warfarin)Halogenated anesthetic medicineMedicine to treat depression (including amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline)Medicine to treat seizures (including phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone)

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • If you need surgery, tell the doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine. Medicines used during surgery can increase your blood pressure when used with this medicine.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Concerta side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Painful erection or an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Numb, cold, pale, or painful fingers or toes

  • Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

  • Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Seizures

  • Slow growth or weight loss in children

  • Extreme energy or restlessness, confusion, agitation, unusual moods or behaviors

  • Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating

  • Blurred vision or vision changes

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dry mouth, nausea, stomach pain

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Loss of appetite, weight loss