Concerta Side Effects & Warnings

Methylphenidate (brand name Concerta) is a central nervous system stimulant medication available as extended release tablets. This CNS medication is used to help treat symptoms related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Concerta is a Schedule II controlled substance which means it has a high potential for abuse and can lead to physical or psychological dependence as well as side effects and other warnings.

Side Effects Of Concerta

Some of the symptoms of ADHD which Concerta can help ease include impulsivity and hyperactivity. This ADHD medication can be helpful, but may also cause certain side effects.

Common Side Effects

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), some of the common side effects of Concerta may consist of:

• anxiety
• trouble sleeping
• loss of appetite
• upset stomach
• dry mouth
• weight loss
• muscle twitching
• dizziness
• nervousness

Serious Side Effects

Some side effects may be serious and require medical attention or advice from your healthcare provider. Some of these side effects may include:

• priapism or painful erections in men
• seizures
• intestine or digestive blockages
• mood changes
• chest pain
• blurred vision

Concerta Withdrawal Symptoms

For those who take Concerta regularly as prescribed or those who abuse the drug, it’s important to seek help before you abruptly stop taking your medication.

If a drug dependence has taken place, a person may experience severe withdrawal symptoms. When this takes place, a person may develop mental health issues including severe depression.

Concerta Warnings

Any of the common or serious side effects can be seen worsening when the drug is taken long-term. Consult the medical advice of your doctor before combining any medications as drug interactions and allergic reactions may occur.

Drug Interactions

Serious mental health problems can take place if Concerta is combined with certain antidepressants such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or monoamine oxidase (MAO inhibitors).

Other substances to avoid while taking Concerta include:

• amphetamines such as Adderall
• benzodiazepines
• alcohol
• opioids
• certain vitamins and supplements
• other medications similar to Concerta such as Ritalin

Combining other medications or substances with Concerta may increase the risk of an overdose.

Medical Conditions & Family History

Before taking Concerta, you should inform your doctor if you have a family history of heart problems. Cardiovascular issues may arise when Concerta is abused, leading to serious heart problems.

For instance, fluctuations in heart rate and high blood pressure can lead to cardiovascular events such as a heart attack.

Those with Tourette’s Syndrome should contact their doctor as well due to the fact Concerta may cause certain tics. Those with Raynaud’s Phenomenon or blood circulation problems may need to avoid Concerta.

Those who have mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder should avoid Concerta as severe depression, anxiety, and psychosis can occur.

Women who are breastfeeding should speak with their primary healthcare representative before taking Concerta since the drug can be passed from mother to baby through breast milk.

Concerta Overdose

A Concerta overdose can occur when too much of the drug is in the person’s system. If you suspect an overdose has occurred, contact 911 and seek medical attention immediately.

Some of the symptoms of a Concerta overdose, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), may include:

• tremors
• vomiting
• confusion
• hallucinations
• palpitations
• sweating
• flushing of the face
• coma
• convulsions
• sudden death

Concerta Addiction

When a stimulant medication like Concerta is abused over time, the risk of addiction increases. 

Concerta addiction is defined by continuing to use the medication despite harmful consequences, or abusing the drug in dangerous ways like buying pills off the street or mixing them with other substances.

To speak with one of our healthcare professionals to discuss stimulant addiction treatment options like behavioral therapy, please contact us today.