Concerta is the brand name for the generic drug Methylphenidate manufactured by ALZA Corporation and it is available in the form of extended release tablet strengths of 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, 54 mg. They come in different colors – yellow 18 mg, gray 27 mg, white 36 mg and brownish red 54 mg. Whatever the strength, the drug is available in bottles of 100 tablets. Concerta is used in the treatment of ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Indications
Concerta is prescribed to ADHD patients as a part of a total therapy program and need to be taken once a day, with one dose having an effect of 12 hours. The medication is to be had with other therapies that include the emotional, psychological and physical. Very often, a doctor will not prescribe medication if the other areas can be handled well but when the condition needs it, drugs like these will have to be prescribed. There will need to be proper education as to how to take the drugs and what cautionary measures to take.
Action
Concerta stimulates the central nervous system because of the action of methylphenidate. While it isn’t very clear exactly how it does this, it is thought to work on the releasing and the re-absorption of the substances dopamine and noradrenaline. The drug is taken once a day but must not be chewed or broken up as it is an extended release tablet, spreading the effect of the medication over a number of hours.
Side Effects
There could be diarrhea or stomach pain and the eyes could get dry during this treatment. You could feel very tired and jittery with weakness and lethargy. Sometimes, people get too hyperactive or angry and there could be mood swings, insomnia or tics. There could also be serious side effects like an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, sexual dysfunction and cardiac murmurs.
Caution
People with even slightly elevated levels of blood pressure should be very careful in case their blood pressure goes up. Children and the elderly should be monitored closely for any problems. It will also have to be given with caution to people who have seizures or liver or kidney ailments.
Contraindications
Nursing mothers and pregnant women must not take this medication and it is also contraindicated in people with very high levels of blood pressure or with kidney problems. People who suffer from Tourette Syndrome or if there is a history of it in the family, should avoid this drug. It is also contraindicated in people who have been known to indulge in substance abuse, have suicidal tendencies, undergo severe depression or have been through a heart attack.