Concerta | Methylphenidate extended release

Medication class: Central Nervous System stimulant
Manufactured by: Janssen Pharmaceuticals
Approval date: August 2000

What is Concerta and how does it work

Concerta contains methylphenidate, which is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that acts like amphetamine but has milder effects than amphetamine. Concerta increases the concentration of neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and dopamine) in the brain. The mechanism of action in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is unknown. Concerta is a controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence.

What does Concerta treat

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in individuals 6 to 65 years of age.

How effective is Concerta

• Children (6-12 years old): Concerta 18, 36, or 54 mg once daily over 3 or 4 weeks was significantly better than placebo in improving attention and behavior.
• Adolescents (13-18 years old): Concerta 18 mg to 72 mg daily significantly better than placebo in reducing ADHD symptoms.
• Adults (18 to 65 years old): Concerta 36 to 108 mg daily was more effective than placebo in treating ADHD after 7 weeks.

What are interesting facts about Concerta

• Concerta is an extended-release formulation of methylphenidate that is administered once daily.

How is Concerta dosed and administered

Concerta is supplied as 18, 27, 36 and 54 mg extended release tablets and administered in the morning. Tablets must be swallowed whole and should not be chewed, divided or crushed.

• Children (6 to 12 years old); 18 to 54 mg once daily.
• Adolescents (13 to 17 years old). 18 to 72mg once daily.
• Adults (18 to 65 years old): 18-72 mg once daily

What are the side effects of Concerta

Common: A headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, anorexia (loss of appetite), dizziness, nervousness, irritability, tics, cough, insomnia, increased blood pressure.

Serious: Dependency, psychosis, manic episodes, sudden death, stroke, abnormal heart beats, seizures, growth suppression (long-term use), and severe allergic reactions.

Concerta drug interactions

• Combining monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) (e.g., Marplan, Nardil) with Concerta may lead to very high blood pressure and other fatal conditions.
• Concerta may increase blood levels of certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressants or certain tricyclic antidepressants.
• Concerta may increase blood levels of Phenobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin) or Primidone (Mysoline).
• Concerta may increase blood levels of warfarin (Jantoven, Coumadin),increasing the chance of bleeding.
• Since Concerta increases blood pressure using other drugs that also increase blood pressure may lead to excessive blood pressure increase.

What is the cost of Concerta

Concerta costs about $6 to $30 per tablet.

How to receive prescription assistance for Concerta

For prescription assistance for Concerta please contact Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

Reference: Concerta FDA Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

This medication summary is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider.