What is the effect of Concerta (methylphenidate)?

From the Guidelines

Concerta is a medication, not a string, and is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. It is not related to musical instruments. The medication is typically taken once daily in the morning, with common dosages ranging from 18mg to 72mg depending on age, weight, and individual response. Concerta uses a unique osmotic release oral system (OROS) that provides consistent medication release throughout the day, lasting about 12 hours 1.

Key Points to Consider

• Concerta is a controlled substance due to potential for misuse and should only be taken under medical supervision 1.
• Side effects may include decreased appetite, sleep problems, increased heart rate, and blood pressure 1.
• Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are necessary to monitor effectiveness and adjust dosage if needed.
• The medication has been shown to be effective in reducing ADHD core symptoms, with large effect sizes, and has a rapid onset of treatment effects 1.
• However, it may have limitations, such as limited daily duration of effects and potential for rebound of symptoms when the effect wears off in the afternoon/evening 1.

Important Considerations for Treatment

• Stimulants, including methylphenidate, are first-line pharmacotherapies for patients with ADHD 1.
• The choice of medication and dosing regimen can affect medication adherence, and once-daily dosing is generally preferred over twice-daily dosing 1.
• Physicians should consider individual patient factors, such as symptom profile and individual needs, when selecting a medication and dosing regimen 1.
• Monitoring of pulse and blood pressure is recommended when prescribing psychostimulant medication, especially for patients with preexisting cardiovascular diseases 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Concerta String Information

• Concerta is a brand name for the medication methylphenidate, which is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 2, 3, 4, 5.
• Methylphenidate is a stimulant medication that works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping to improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity 2, 4.
• Concerta is an extended-release formulation of methylphenidate, which means it is released slowly into the bloodstream over a period of time, providing a longer-lasting effect 5.
• The efficacy and safety of Concerta have been evaluated in several studies, including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, which have shown it to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults 3, 4, 5.
• However, like all medications, Concerta can have side effects, and individual responses to the medication can vary 2, 4, 6.
• Research has also shown that the neural basis for individual differences in response to methylphenidate, including Concerta, may be related to differences in dopamine receptor density and function in the brain 6.

Mechanism of Action

• Methylphenidate, the active ingredient in Concerta, works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters available for neuronal transmission 2, 4.
• This increase in dopamine and norepinephrine can help improve attention, reduce impulsivity, and decrease hyperactivity in individuals with ADHD 2, 4.
• The extended-release formulation of Concerta allows for a slower and more sustained release of methylphenidate into the bloodstream, providing a longer-lasting effect compared to immediate-release formulations 5.

Efficacy and Safety

• Studies have shown that Concerta is effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults, with improvements in attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity 3, 4, 5.
• However, like all medications, Concerta can have side effects, including headache, stomachache, and insomnia, and individual responses to the medication can vary 2, 4, 6.
• The safety and efficacy of Concerta have been evaluated in several studies, including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, which have shown it to be generally well-tolerated and effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD 3, 4, 5.