Get Informed: Concerta
Active Ingredient(s)
Methylphenidate
What does it do?
This product is used in the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. It is thought to work on the brain stem arousal system to produce a stimulant effect.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-21 6:10 AM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Mar-20 9:02 PM
Other Names
- Concerta
- Ritalin
- Methylphenidate
- Ritalin SR
- Metadate CD
- Methylin
- Daytrana
- Metadate
- Ritalin LA
- Metadate ER
- Methylin ER
- Concerta XL
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
Black Box Warning
This product has a black box relating to its risk of drug dependency and the possibility of other abnormal behavior with long term use.
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 05 Dec 1955
- Est US Patients*
- 3,816,000
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Concerta or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Recent alerts for Concerta
Concerta Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
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What is Concerta used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 25,400 patients that use Concerta (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Attention Deficit Disorder | 83% | 
|
| Chronic Fatigue | 20% | 
|
| Fibromyalgia | 3% | 
|
| Other | 7% |
|
How well does Concerta work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 25,400 users taking Concerta (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 88%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Concerta outweigh the bad things.
- 6%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Concerta.
Common Side Effects of Concerta
iGuard regularly polls our more than 25,400 users taking Concerta (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
39% of patients experience side-effects on Concerta
1% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Concerta
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Loss of Appetite
-
Anxiety
-
Insomnia
-
Headache
-
Mood/Behavior Changes
-
Abdo Pain/Cramps
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Dizziness, Drowsiness, Fatigue, Light Sensitivity, Nausea/Vomiting, Tics/Twitches, Weight Loss
Global Patient Feedback for Concerta (Methylphenidate) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
After being diagnosed with OCD i was given Fluoxetine it worked perfectly for two months but after stopped helping completely.
After 5 years of different medications i developed severe depression and chronic fatigue connected wit an unrelated physical illness i did some research on the internet and came across Ritalin and other stimulants. Although very reluctant my dr here in UK agreed to give it a try. It has helped immensely distracting from the OCD and getting rid of the fatigue but not making me hyped like i was worried it might. Although we both agree it's only a temporary measure until my physical symptoms are sorted and the right antidepressant as found.
The only downside is it only lasts about 3 hours before you need another pill thus making it seem somewhat addictive went in truth you just want relief from your terrible symptoms.
If you have OCD, Depression Chronic fatigue or any combination of those and have tried everything else i suggest getting your doc to give Ritalin a try no matter how reluctant they are.
(Note: I use brand name Ritalin, not generic)
20 yr old male in the UK
20 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-23 04:37:36
Question/Comment:
Concerta has the fewest cardiovascular negative effects of the drugs in this class. I discussed this with my cardiologist. he agrees the benefits outweigh the risks for me.
When will we stop "rearranging the deck chairs on the titanic"? You are not going to improve your health until you reasonably put your trust in a "healer". Take the medicine that s/he offers in good faith, use your experience and common sense to guide your course. Healers are supposed to do that, and I believe most of them do!
58 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-12 15:28:20
Question/Comment:
My son, just turned 13, was diagnosed ADHD aged 9. A specialist started him on 5mg ritalin 3 times a day.Each dose lasted approx 4 hrs, but he experienced the highs and lows in between.Waiting for the effects to kick in and then them wearing off again.It was decided to change him to concerta. 18mg once a day.this is the slow release equivalent to ritalin.It works extremely well as it is consistent and lasts 12 hrs.He is now in a special needs school and progressing well,as he couldnt cope in mainstream school.This med allows the brain to function at the correct speed,instead of racing, and the child to focus and concentrate properly.Once they have mastered the basics of reading writing etc,their self esteem and confidence soar and theres no stopping them.Its just a kick start to help kids have the same opportunities for learning as those without ADHD or similar conditions.
46 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-08 06:45:42
Question/Comment:
My nephew is 7 years old, and I'm worried about his ADHD meds. He currently takes metadate CD 30mg, Clonidine .1 mg, and guanfacine 1 mg. He now has a tic/twitch w/ his left eye. I'm wondering if this is a normal amount of meds for a child, & how concerned should we be w/ the tic? I don't want problems for him that could be avoided. He does great in school & with me. Dr is only hearing bad from home, but continues to medicate. If I have concrete info, I can talk to my brother about the meds.
7 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-03 21:23:18
iGuard Answer/Reply:
There has been reports of tics by patients taking a low dose of clonidine. The tics resolved when the medication was stopped. It is important not to stop clonidine abruptly because it can cause rebound high blood pressure. Tests can be done to diagnose ADHD appropriately. The doses and medication choices are individualized based based on the patient's weight and on the patient's response. Metadate CD 30mg per day is within dosing guidelines in the prescribing information.
Discuss your concerns about your nephew with your brother. Let him know especially the positives you see in your nephew's behavior. Your brother may consider seeking a second opinion for your nephew's treatment.
Posted: 2010-01-04 23:59:04
Question/Comment:
I have taken ritalin for about 20 or more years. it has helped me focus and actually,since i am also bi-polor1,( was not diagnosed bi-polar1 until i hit the great state of GA---CA said i had a borderline personality. My usual dosage was 20 mgs 3 x a day but i have a stent in my heart now--- i had a 90 percent blockage to a major artery going into the heart last aug--my dr. has lowered my ritalin down to 10 mgs 3 times a day and i think it is an adaquate dosage for me. bye all missy from GA P.S.how could CA make such a blunder in the diagnosise??? I have had no 51/50's or voluntary pysh
stays since i was diagnosed bi-polar1---that is evelen long good years! I am rather mind-boggled! Missy from GA
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-11-29 04:50:55
Answer/Reply:
IOne essential thing you all need to know--I was diagnosed bi-polar 1 in GA 11 years ago about jan of 1998. missy from GA
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-11-29 04:53:47
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Patient Comments about
Concerta