What are the Effects of Concerta on the Body

Common (1% to 10%): Lethargy, ear infection, pyrexia, fatigue, ear and labyrinth disorders, asthenia, injury/poisoning/procedural complications

Concerta Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 28, 2022.

Note: This document contains side effect information about methylphenidate. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Concerta.

Summary

Common side effects of Concerta include: insomnia, nausea, decreased appetite, and xerostomia. Other side effects include: anxiety, hyperhidrosis, and irritability. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to methylphenidate: oral capsule extended release, oral capsule extended release biphasic 30/70, oral capsule extended release biphasic 40/60, oral capsule extended release biphasic 50/50, oral powder for suspension extended release, oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet extended release, oral tablet extended release chewable, oral tablet extended release disintegrating. Other dosage forms:

Warning

Oral route (Tablet, Extended Release, Disintegrating)

Long wait times are often cited as a downfall of universal healthcare systems, but wait times in America have reached a new high, too. The average time to make a physician appointment as a new patient in 15 major U.S. cities is now 24 days, up 30% in just 3 years (2014 to 2018) according to physician recruiting firm Merritt Hawkins.

CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate extended-release orally disintegrating tablets, other methylphenidate-containing products, and amphetamines, have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing, and monitor for signs of abuse and dependence while on therapy.

Oral route (Powder for Suspension, Extended Release; Tablet, Extended Release Chewable; Capsule, Extended Release; Tablet; Tablet, Extended Release; Solution)

Warning: Abuse and DependenceCNS stimulants, including methylphenidate hydrochloride, other methylphenidate-containing products, and amphetamines, have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing, and monitor for signs of abuse and dependence while on therapy.

Oral route (Tablet, Extended Release; Tablet, Chewable)

Warning: Drug DependenceMethylphenidate hydrochloride should be given cautiously to emotionally unstable patients , such as those with history of drug dependence or alcoholism , because such patient may increase dosage on their own initiative.Chronic abusive use can lead to marked tolerance and psychological dependence with varying degrees of abnormal behavior. Frank psychotic episodes can occur, especially with parenteral abuse. Careful supervision is required during withdrawal from abusive use since severe depression , as well as the effects of chronic overactivity can occur. Withdrawal following chronic therapeutic use may unmask symptoms of the underlying disorder that may require follow up.Long-term follow-up may be required because of the patient’s basic personality disturbances.

Serious side effects of Concerta

Along with its needed effects, methylphenidate (the active ingredient contained in Concerta) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking methylphenidate:

More common

Less common

Rare

• Black, tarry stools
• blood in the urine or stools
• blurred vision or other changes in vision
• crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
• muscle cramps
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
• seizures
• uncontrolled vocal outbursts or tics (uncontrolled and repeated body movements)
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Incidence not known

• Agitation
• arm, back or jaw pain
• bleeding gums
• bloody nose
• chest discomfort, tightness, or heaviness
• chills
• clenching, gnashing, or grinding teeth
• confusion
• cough
• dark urine
• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• diarrhea
• difficulty with speaking
• difficulty with swallowing
• discouragement
• dizziness
• double vision
• drowsiness
• fainting
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• feeling like surroundings are not real
• feeling sad or empty
• feeling that others are watching you or controlling your behavior
• feeling that others can hear your thoughts
• feeling, seeing, or hearing things that are not there
• headache
• heavier menstrual periods
• inability to have or keep an erection
• inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
• inability to speak
• irritability
• itching skin
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• loss of interest or pleasure
• mood swings
• muscle pain, stiffness, or spasms
• nausea
• nervousness
• numbness of the hands
• overactive reflexes
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• paleness or cold feeling in the fingertips and toes
• poor coordination
• pounding in the ears
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• red, irritated eyes
• red, swollen, or scaly skin
• redness, soreness, or itching skin
• restlessness
• right upper quadrant tenderness
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• severe or sudden headache
• shivering
• slow speech
• slowed growth in children
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• stuffy or runny nose
• sudden loss of coordination
• sudden slurring of speech
• sweating
• swollen glands
• talking or acting with excitement you cannot control
• tingling or pain in the fingers or toes when exposed to cold temperatures
• trembling or shaking
• tremor
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• trouble breathing
• twitching, twisting, or uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs
• unusual behavior
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weight loss
• yellow skin or eyes

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking methylphenidate:

Symptoms of overdose

• Agitation
• anxiety
• bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils of the eyes
• confusion as to time, place, or person
• dark urine
• diarrhea
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• dry eyes, mouth, nose, or throat
• false or unusual sense of well-being
• fast, slow, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
• loss of consciousness
• muscle pain, cramps, stiffness, or twitching
• nervousness
• overactive reflexes
• pounding in the ears
• rapid, shallow breathing
• sweating
• tremors
• unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness

Other side effects of Concerta

Some side effects of methylphenidate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Loss of appetite
• stomach pain

Less common

• Acid or sour stomach
• anger
• belching
• fear
• heartburn
• indigestion
• irritability
• scalp hair loss
• stomach discomfort or upset
• vomiting

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to methylphenidate: oral capsule extended release, oral powder for reconstitution extended release, oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet chewable extended release, oral tablet disintegrating extended release, oral tablet extended release, transdermal film extended release.

General

The more commonly reported adverse reactions have included decreased appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, insomnia, weight loss, anxiety, dizziness, irritability, affect lability, tachycardia, and increased blood pressure. [Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Lethargy, ear infection, pyrexia, fatigue, ear and labyrinth disorders, asthenia, injury/poisoning/procedural complications

Postmarketing reports: Hyperpyrexia [Ref]

Psychiatric

Very common (10% or more): Psychiatric disorders (27.9%), insomnia (13.3%), irritability (11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety, restlessness, sleep disorder, agitation, affect lability, aggression, depression, depressed mood, abnormal behavior, bruxism, confusional state, initial insomnia, decreased libido, nervousness, emotional poverty, tension, panic attack

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Psychotic disorders, hallucinations (auditory, visual, tactile), anger, suicidal ideation, altered mood, mood swings, tearfulness, tics, worsening of pre-existing tics or Tourette’s syndrome, hypervigilance

Rare (less than 0.1%): Mania, disorientation, libido disorder

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Suicidal attempt/completed suicide, transient depressed mood, abnormal thinking, apathy, repetitive behaviors, over-focusing

Frequency not reported: Delusions, thought disturbances, confessional state, logorrhea [Ref]

Metabolic

Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (27.1%), metabolism and nutrition disorders (11.5%)

Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia, decreased weight, thirst [Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Gastrointestinal disorders (23.5%), dry mouth (21.5%), nausea (12.2%), vomiting (10.2%)

Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain (upper and general), diarrhea, dyspepsia, toothache, stomach discomfort

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Nervous system disorders (23.5%), headache (23.2%)

Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, dyskinesia, tremor, drowsiness, feeling jittery, psychomotor hyperactivity, somnolence, vertigo, paresthesia, motion sickness, tension headache

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sedation, tremor

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Convulsions, choreoathetoid movements, reversible ischemic neurological deficit, cerebrovascular disorders (vasculitis, cerebral hemorrhages, cerebrovascular accidents, cerebral arteritis, cerebral occlusion), neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)

Frequency not reported: Grand mal convulsions, migraine, sedation, serotonin syndrome (in combination with serotonergic drugs) [Ref]

Endocrine

Common (1% to 10%): Reproductive system and breast disorders

Rare (less than 0.1%): Gynecomastia

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Nasopharyngitis (19.1%), respiratory/thoracic/mediastinal disorders (10.6%)

Musculoskeletal

Among patients 7 to 10 years old, consistently medicated (i.e., receiving methylphenidate (the active ingredient contained in Concerta) for 7 days per week) for over 14 months, as well as in naturalistic subgroups of newly methylphenidate-treated patients over 36 months (ages of 10 to 13 years), a temporary slowing in growth rate (on average, a total of about 2 cm less growth in height and 2.7 kg less growth in weight over 3 years), has been observed compared to non-medicated patients. This slowing in growth rate has been observed without evidence of growth rebound. [Ref]

Very common (10% or more): Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders (14.4%),

Common (1% to 10%): Joint sprain, arthralgia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Myalgia, muscle twitching, muscle tightness, muscle spasms

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Muscle cramps

Frequency not reported: Rhabdomyolysis, growth suppression, arthralgia [Ref]

Local

Very common (10% or more): Administration site and general disorders (12.9%)

Postmarketing reports: Patch application site reactions [Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Palpitations, tachycardia, cardiac disorders, vascular disorders, arrhythmias, hypertension, hot flush, changes in blood pressure and heart rate (usually an increase)

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cardiac murmur

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, peripheral coldness, Raynaud’s phenomenon, sudden cardiac death

Frequency not reported: Supraventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, ventricular extrasystoles, extrasystoles

Postmarketing reports: Angina pectoris, bradycardia extrasystole, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular extrasystole, chest pain, chest discomfort [Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Rash, pruritus, urticaria, fever, scalp hair loss/alopecia, dermatitis, excoriation hyperhidrosis, skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Angioneurotic edema, bullous conditions, exfoliative conditions

Rare (less than 0.1%): Macular rash, erythema

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Thrombocytopenic purpura, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, fixed drug eruption [Ref]

Immunologic

Very common (10% or more): Infections and infestations (45.2%)

Common (1% to 10%): Immune systems disorders, influenza [Ref]

Ocular

Common (1% to 10%): Eye disorders, eye pain

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Diplopia, blurred vision

Rare (less than 0.1%): Visual accommodation difficulties, mydriasis, visual disturbance

Frequency not reported: Dry eye

Postmarketing reports: Visual impairment, mydriasis, diplopia [Ref]

Genitourinary

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hematuria, pollakiuria

Frequency not reported: Increased erection, prolonged erection, priapism [Ref]

Hepatic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hepatic enzyme elevations

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Abnormal liver function, hepatic coma, increased blood alkaline phosphatase, increased blood bilirubin

Postmarketing reports: Hepatocellular injury, acute hepatic failure [Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity reactions (angioedema, anaphylaxis, auricular swelling, exanthemas) [Ref]

Hematologic

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, decreased platelet count, abnormal white blood count

Postmarketing reports: Pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenia purpura [Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• How long does it take for Concerta 18mg to kick in?
• Concerta vs Adderall – What’s the difference between them?
• Ritalin vs Vyvanse – What’s the difference between them?
• What are the brands of methylphenidate?
• What is metilfenidato used for?
• Jornay PM vs other methylphenidate formulations – how do they compare?
• How is Cotempla XR-ODT different to other brands of methylphenidate?

More about Concerta (methylphenidate)

• Check interactions
• Compare alternatives
• Pricing & coupons
• Reviews (402)
• Drug images
• Dosage information
• Patient tips
• During pregnancy
• Generic availability
• Support group
• Drug class: CNS stimulants
• Breastfeeding

Patient resources

• Drug Information
• Concerta (Advanced Reading)

Other brands

Professional resources

Related treatment guides

References

1. “Product Information. Metadate CD (methylphenidate).” Celltech Pharmaceuticals Inc (2022):

2. “Product Information. Metadate ER (methylphenidate).” Celltech Pharmaceuticals Inc (2002):

3. “Product Information. Concerta (methylphenidate).” Alza (2002):

4. Cerner Multum, Inc. “UK Summary of Product Characteristics.” O 0

5. Cerner Multum, Inc. “Australian Product Information.” O 0

6. “Product Information. Quillivant XR (methylphenidate).” NextWave Pharmaceuticals (2013):

7. “Product Information. Cotempla XR-ODT (methylphenidate).” Neos Therepeautics, Inc (2019):

8. “Product Information. Methylin (methylphenidate).” Mallinckrodt Medical Inc (2019):

9. “Product Information. Adhansia XR (methylphenidate).” Adlon Therapeutics (2019):

10. “Product Information. Daytrana (methylphenidate).” Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2019):

11. “Product Information. Jornay PM (methylphenidate).” Ironshore Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2019):

12. “Product Information. Ritalin (methylphenidate).” Novartis Pharmaceuticals (2001):

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

What are the Effects of Concerta on the Body?

Concerta, known generically as methylphenidate, is a stimulant mainly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can help you focus and provide a calming effect, but it’s a powerful drug that should be taken with caution.

Concerta is a central nervous system stimulant. It is available by prescription and is often prescribed as part of a total treatment plan for ADHD. Concerta is also used to treat a sleep disorder called narcolepsy. The medication is categorized as a schedule II controlled substance because it can be habit-forming.

Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing health conditions or if you take any other medications. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking this medication. Continue to see your doctor regularly and report all side effects right away.

This medication has not been studied in children younger than 6 years old.

Concerta has a direct impact on the central nervous system. Stimulants like Concerta allow norepinephrine and dopamine levels to rise slowly and steadily, by preventing the neurons from reabsorbing them. Norepinephrine and dopamine are neurotransmitters that are naturally produced in your brain. Norepinephrine is a stimulant and dopamine is linked to attention span, movement, and feelings of pleasure.

You may find it easier to focus and get organized with the right amount of norepinephrine and dopamine. In addition to increasing your attention span, you may be less likely to act impulsively. You may also gain more control over movement, so sitting still may be more comfortable.

Your doctor will probably start you out with a low dose. If necessary, the dose can be increased gradually until you achieve the desired results.

All medications have the potential to cause side effects and Concerta is no exception. Some of the more common CNS side effects are:

• blurry vision or other changes to your eyesight
• dry mouth
• sleep difficulties
• dizziness
• anxiety or irritability

Some of the more serious side effects are seizures and psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations. If you already have behavior or thought problems, Concerta may make them worse. In some cases, this medication can cause new psychotic symptoms in children and teenagers. If you are prone to seizures, Concerta may aggravate your condition.

You should not take this medication if you:

• are overly anxious or easily agitated
• have tics, Tourette syndrome, or a family history of Tourette syndrome
• have glaucoma

Some children experience slowed growth while taking Concerta, so your doctor may monitor your child’s growth and development.

Concerta may cause dopamine levels to rise quickly when taken in very high doses, which can result in a euphoric feeling, or a high. Because of that, Concerta can be abused and can lead to dependence.

Furthermore, high doses may increase the activity of norepinephrine and can lead to thought disorders, mania, or psychosis. Tell your doctor if you have a history of substance abuse, including alcohol abuse or alcoholism. If you experience new or worsening emotional symptoms, call your doctor right away.

Stopping Concerta suddenly can result in withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal include trouble sleeping and fatigue. Withdrawal increases your risk of developing severe depression. If you want to stop taking this medication, speak to your doctor, who can help you taper off.

Stimulants may cause circulation problems. Poor circulation can cause the skin on your fingers and toes to turn blue or red. Your digits may also feel cold or numb. They may be extra sensitive to temperature, or even hurt.

Concerta can increase your body temperature and cause excessive perspiration.

Use of stimulants can increase your risk of high blood pressure and increased heart rate. It can also raise your risk of stroke or heart attack. Heart-related problems can occur in people who have pre-existing heart defects or problems. Sudden death has been reported in children and adults with heart problems.

Taking Concerta can decrease your appetite. This may lead to weight loss. If you do eat less, make sure the foods you eat are nutrient rich. Ask your doctor if you should take dietary supplements. You may develop malnutrition and associated problems if you abuse this drug for a long time.

Some people experience abdominal pain or nausea when taking Concerta.

Serious digestive system side effects include blockage of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. This is more likely to be a problem if you already have some narrowing in your digestive tract.

In males of any age, Concerta can cause a painful and long lasting erection. This condition is called priapism. If this happens, it’s important to seek medical attention. Priapism can cause permanent damage if left untreated.

Last medically reviewed on May 11, 2015

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• DrugFacts: Stimulant ADHD medications: Methylphenidate and amphetamines. (2014, January)
  drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/stimulant-adhd-medications-methylphenidate-amphetamines
• Label: Concerta-methylphenidate hydrochloride tablet, extended release. (2014, July)
  dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1a88218c-5b18-4220-8f56-526de1a276cd&
• Medication guide: Concerta. (n.d.)
  fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm088575.pdf

Concerta

Medically reviewed by Kaci Durbin, MD. Last updated on Jan 11, 2023.

What is Concerta?

Concerta is a central nervous system stimulant prescription medicine. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.

Concerta extended-release tablets are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children 6 years of age and older, adolescents, and in adults up to the age of 65.

Concerta should be used as a part of a total treatment program for ADHD that may include counseling or other therapies.

Is Concerta a controlled substance?

Yes, Concerta (methylphenidate) is a Schedule 2 controlled substance and therefore has a high potential for abuse. It has a currently accepted medical use in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Warnings

You should not use Concerta if you have glaucoma, tics or Tourette’s syndrome, or severe anxiety, tension, or agitation.

Methylphenidate may be habit-forming, and this medicine is a drug of abuse. Tell your doctor if you have had problems with drug or alcohol abuse. Keep the medication where others cannot get to it.

Stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a heart defect. Call your doctor right away if you have chest pain or feel lightheaded or short of breath while taking Concerta.

Do not use Concerta if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine or have used a methylene blue injection.

Concerta may cause new or worsening psychosis (unusual thoughts or behavior), especially if you have a history of depression, mental illness, or bipolar disorder. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of psychosis such as paranoia, aggression, new behavior problems, or seeing or hearing things that are not real.

Related/similar drugs

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Concerta if you are allergic to methylphenidate.

You should not take Concerta if you have:

• glaucoma;
• severe high blood pressure or a heart problem;
• overactive thyroid;
• a personal or family history of tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette’s syndrome; or
• severe anxiety, tension, or agitation (stimulant medicine can make these symptoms worse).

Stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in certain people. Tell your doctor if you have:

• heart problems or a congenital heart defect;
• high blood pressure; or
• a family history of heart disease or sudden death.

Do not use Concerta if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.

Tell your doctor if you also use opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson’s disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. An interaction with methylphenidate could cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has ever had:

• depression, mental illness, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts or actions;
• blood circulation problems in the hands or feet; or
• alcoholism or drug addiction.

To make sure Concerta is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• problems with the esophagus, stomach, or intestines; or
• seizures, epilepsy, or an abnormal brain wave test (EEG).

Becoming dependent on this medicine during pregnancy can cause premature birth or low birth weight. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of methylphenidate on the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice symptoms in the baby such as agitation, sleep problems, feeding problems, or reduced weight gain.

Concerta is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

How should I take Concerta?

Take Concerta exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Methylphenidate may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Keep the medication where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away Concerta is against the law.

Take Concerta once each day in the morning. Concerta is an extended-release tablet. It releases medication into your or your child’s body throughout the day.

Concerta can be taken with or without food, but take it the same way each time.

Do not chew, crush, or break the Concerta tablets. Swallow the tablets whole with water or other liquids. Tell your doctor if you or your child cannot swallow the tablet whole. A different medicine may need to be prescribed.

The Concerta tablet does not dissolve completely in the body after all the medicine has been released. You or your child may sometimes notice the empty tablet in a bowel movement. This is normal.

Children should have their height and weight checked often while taking this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery.

Your treatment may also include counseling or other treatments.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. From time to time, your doctor may stop treatment for a while to check ADHD symptoms. Your heart and blood pressure may also need to be checked often.

Store Concerta tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.

Do not keep leftover medicine. Ask your pharmacist about a drug take-back program. You may also mix the leftover medicine with cat litter or coffee grounds in a sealed plastic bag and throw the bag in the trash.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of methylphenidate could be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, dry mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, agitation, restlessness, tremor, muscle twitches, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, dilated pupils, muscle pain or weakness, fever, sweating, headache, pounding in your neck or ears, fast or pounding heartbeats, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizure (convulsions), or coma.

What should I avoid while taking Concerta?

Avoid drinking alcohol.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Concerta will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Concerta side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Concerta: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• signs of heart problems – chest pain, trouble breathing, feeling like you might pass out;
• signs of psychosis – hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real), new behavior problems, aggression, hostility, paranoia;
• signs of circulation problems – numbness, pain, cold feeling, unexplained wounds, or skin color changes (pale, red, or blue appearance) in your fingers or toes; or
• penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Methylphenidate can affect growth in children. Your child’s height and weight may need to be checked often. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate.

Common Concerta side effects may include:

• sweating, increased blood pressure;
• mood changes, anxiety, feeling nervous or irritable, trouble sleeping;
• fast heart rate, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• loss of appetite, weight loss;
• dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion; or
• headache, dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Concerta?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a blood thinner – warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;
• blood pressure medication;
• an antidepressant;
• seizure medication; or
• cold or allergy medications that contain decongestants.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with methylphenidate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Concerta medication only for the indication prescribed.

Popular FAQ

Metilfenidato is the Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese translation for methylphenidate which may be used to treat children or adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to help with hyperactivity and impulsive behavior, and allow them to concentrate better. Metilfenidato may also be used to treat adults with narcolepsy. Metilfenidato translates to methylphenidate. Continue reading

More FAQ

• How long does it take for Concerta 18mg to kick in?
• Concerta vs Adderall – What’s the difference between them?
• Ritalin vs Vyvanse – What’s the difference between them?
• What are the brands of methylphenidate?

More about Concerta (methylphenidate)

• Check interactions
• Compare alternatives
• Pricing & coupons
• Reviews (402)
• Drug images
• Side effects
• Dosage information
• Patient tips
• During pregnancy
• Generic availability
• Support group
• Drug class: CNS stimulants
• Breastfeeding