Concerta side effects is a primary concern for parents who have discussed with their child’s doctor in using the medication for ADHD treatment. Concerta is the brand name of a stimulant drug called Methylphenidate, which is also known by the brand name Ritalin. It is an extended release drug, which means that one dose slowly releases amounts of the medication over several hours, whereas medicines such as Ritalin are instant release and the full dose is received immediately. It is believed that extended relief tablets can be more effective in maintaining results over longer periods of time, as well as reduce the risk of abuse, as can sometimes be a concern for parents of teenage children with ADHD. Short term doses may only last for 4 hours at a time, whereas longer term dosages can often last a child anywhere from 8-12 hours.
Every medication has the potential to have negative side effects, even those we consider to be generally “safe” such as Tylenol. Many medications have side effects that are not discovered until numerous years after it has been sold and marketed, simply because different people will have different reactions to different chemicals and foods. There are no two people who are exactly the same, which is why there is no way to know for sure all of the potential effects of taking a medication and how it work and how the body will respond to it. This especially holds true for newer drugs that come on the market. Methylphenidate, which was first available in the 1960′s, has been around long enough that most of the side effects from using it have been discovered and recognized. However, Concerta is only an 8 year old medication and it is important to know that not everyone reports side effects to the FDA. An extremely useful website for determining what findings have been found with medication is the FDA’s MedWatch site.
Here is a brief list of the most common occurrences when taking the medication:
Loss of Appetite
Insomnia
Stomach Cramping
Headache
Irritability, Aggression
Nausea
Sadness, Depression
Dry Mouth
Tics, muscle twitching
Increased Risk for Upper Respiratory Infections
Some of these signs may appear after using the drug just once or for a few days or weeks and then go away after the body has adjusted to the change. For others there may be no symptoms until after they have used it for an extended period of time or dosage has been increased. For many, making small adjustments in dosage amounts have been successful in taking the medication. It should also be noted that children and adults may react differently. It is generally not recommended for children under the age of 6.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s prescriptions, you should speak with your doctor, especially if the symptoms they are experiencing after use are severe or very noticeable. Being able to communicate effectively with the health care professionals you trust will help you be able to make the best and safest decision for your child’s well being and health.
Do you have any experiences with Concerta side effects? Share them in the comments below.
