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Information on Concerta



These are general guidelines to give you the idea of what to expect with Concerta ADHD medications.

This can be useful for a 10,000ft high view and comparison of the available ADHD medications. The information I state here is all available in published medical manuals and text books. I summarized for your convince.
I am not a doctor. Talk to a one for any real advice.

Concerta: methylphenidate hydrochloride CNS Stimulant is a long acting form of Methylphenidate similair to Ritalin. It needs to be taken whole so the tablets acan disolve over time. The safety and efficacy in adults has not been esablished. Long term use of 4 weeks has not been systematically evaluated in pacebo-controlled trials. Therefore a physician should re-evaluate...

The use of "drug Holidays" should be considered, that is withholding the drug on and during school holidays insomuch as the clinical situation permits.

Other names:
Methylphenidate

Available in:
Extended release tablets.

Why it is prescribed:
To treat ADHD.

How it works:
There is no specific evidence which clearly establishes the mechanism whereby methylphenidate produces its mental and behavioral effects, nor conclusive evidence regarding how these effects relate to the condition of the CNS.The effectiveness of of this ADHD drug for long-term use, i.e. for more than four weeks has not been systemically evaluated in placebo-controlled trials.

This medication for ADHD is thought to stimulate the release of their neurotransmitters. It is thought to increase the levels of chemicals in our brain that make reduce or eliminate the symptoms of ADHD.

Seriously! This is complicated and very important to your safety and health. Speak with a doctor about it. They are the experts.

Concerta Side Effects


ADHD medication side effects are serious things to keep track of. Hence the highlighting.

Serious, seek immediate medical help:
Fast heartbeat, unusual bleeding or bruising, chest pain, fever, joint pain, skin rash or hives, uncontrolled body movements, blurred vision or other vision changes, sore throat and fever, unusual fatigue, weight loss, mood or mental changes.

Common, speak with your family doctor or prescriber:
Loss of appetite, insomnia, nervousness.

Less Common, speak with your doctor at your next scheduled visit:
Dizziness, stomach pain, drowsiness, nausea, headache.

Overdose: Go immediately to the emergency room!
Agitation, confusion, delirium, seizures, dry mouth, false sense of well-being, rapid pounding or irregular heartbeat, fever, sweating, severe headache, increased blood pressure, muscle twitching, tremors, vomiting.


Dosage Information

Typical dosage:
18mg to 54mg per day.

Onset effect:
Usually between 30 and 60 minutes.

Duration:
six hours or longer.

Dietary:
Can be taken whole with or without food.

Storage:
Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.

Missed dose:
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearer the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Stopping the Drug:
Take it as prescribed for the full treatment period, even if you begin to feel better before the scheduled end of therapy. The decision to stop taking the drug should be made by your doctor. The doctor may decrease your dose is gradually to reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms.

Careful supervision is required during drug withdrawal, since severe depression as well as the effects of chronic overactivity can be unmasked. Long-term follow-up may be required because of the patients basic personality disturbances.

Prolonged Use:
See your doctor regularly for tests and examinations.

Precautions

Driving hazardous work:
Do not drive or engage in hazardous working to determine how the medicine affects you.

Pregnancy:
Before taking Concerta tell your doctor if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breast feeding:
It is not known whether methylphenidate passes into breast milk. Caution is advised. Consult your doctor for advice.

Interactions

Drug:
Consult your doctor for specific advice if you're taking tricyclic antidepressants, caffeine, beta-blockers, digitalis drugs, central nervous system stimulants, meperidine, MAO inhibitors, sympathomimetic agents, or thyroid hormones.

Food:
Caffeinated beverages and foods may interact with this drug.

Disease:
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following: advance blood vessel disease, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, severe anxiety, Tourette's syndrome, glaucoma, or a history of drug abuse.

Why Concerta?

Concerta is another ADHD medication to me. It is a long acting kind. I don't see anything special about it at this time. Ask your doctor, they may have more information.

If you feel that the potential risks are worth the gains then go for it!
If you need more here are many other natural remedies and treatments for ADHD.

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