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What is Concerta
 Concerta
is a mild stimulant to the central nervous system (brain and
nerves). The exact way that Concerta works is unknown.
Concerta
is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy.
Concerta
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Concerta
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Concerta may cause
dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or impair your ability
to concentrate. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness,
blurred vision, or impaired concentration, avoid these activities.
Do not crush, chew, or break the sustained- or extended-release
formulations of methylphenidate (Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA,
Metadate ER, Metadate CD, Methylin ER, Concerta). Swallow
these whole with water or another beverage. They are specially
formulated to release medication slowly in the body. Alternatively,
the Ritalin LA and Metadate CD capsules may be opened and
the contents sprinkled onto a tablespoon of applesauce (not
warm), and the mixture swallowed immediately. Do not save
the mixture for later use. The capsule contents should be
swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.
What you should find out before taking Concerta Do not take Concerta if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the
last 14 days.
Do not take Concerta without first
talking to your doctor if you have
- an allergy to
Concerta;
- severe tension, agitation, or anxiety;
- glaucoma;
- motor tics or have been diagnosed
with Tourette's syndrome;
- depression;
-
a psychotic condition such as schizophrenia;
- epilepsy
or another seizure disorder;
- high blood pressure
(hypertension);
- a history of alcohol or drug abuse;
or
- a narrowing or blockage of your gastrointestinal
tract (esophagus, stomach, or intestines).
You may
not be able to take Concerta, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you
have any of the conditions listed above.
Concerta
is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is
not known whether Concerta will be harmful to an unborn
baby. Do not take Concerta without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during
treatment.
It is not known whether Concerta passes
into breast milk. Do not take Concerta without first talking
to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Concerta Take Concerta exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you.
Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Take each dose of Ritalin or Methylin 30 to 45 minutes before
a meal.
The sustained-release forms of methylphenidate
(Ritalin-SR, Metadate ER, Metadate CD, Methylin ER, Concerta)
can be taken with or without food.
Do not crush,
chew, or break the sustained- or extended-release formulations
of methylphenidate (Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA, Metadate ER,
Metadate CD, Methylin ER, Concerta). Swallow these whole
with water or another beverage. They are specially formulated
to release medication slowly in the body. Alternatively,
the Ritalin LA and Metadate CD capsules may be opened and
the contents sprinkled onto a tablespoon of applesauce (not
warm), and the mixture swallowed immediately. Do not save
the mixture for later use. The capsule contents should be
swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.
If you
are taking Concerta, do not be alarmed if you see in your
stool What looks like a tablet. This is the outer shell
of the tablet, the medication has been absorbed by your
body.
Store Concerta at room temperature away from
moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only the next regularly schedule dose unless
otherwise directed by your doctor. Do not take a double
dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Concerta overdose include agitation, tremors (shaking),
muscle twitches, seizures, confusion, hallucinations, sweating,
flushing, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, large pupils,
and dryness of the mouth and eyes.
Avoid while taking Concerta Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Concerta may cause
dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or impair your ability
to concentrate. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness,
blurred vision, or impaired concentration, avoid these activities.
Possible side effects of Concerta If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Concerta and seek emergency medical
attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an
allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the
throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- an irregular or fast heartbeat;
- chest
pains or very high blood pressure (blurred vision, severe
headache, flushing);
- unusual behavior or confusion;
or
- liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes,
nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or
bruising, severe fatigue).
Other, less serious side
effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Concerta
and talk to your doctor if you experience
- insomnia
(difficulty sleeping);
- nervousness;
- drowsiness;
- dizziness;
- headache;
- blurred
vision;
- tics (repetitive movements);
- abdominal
pain, nausea, or vomiting;
- decreased appetite or
weight loss; or
- slower weight gain and/or growth.
Concerta may cause drug dependence.
Side effects
other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that
is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Concerta Do not take Concerta if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the
last 14 days.
Before taking Concerta, tell your doctor
if you are taking any of the following medicines:
-
warfarin (Coumadin);
- phenytoin (Dilantin);
-
phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);
- primidone (Mysoline);
- a tricyclic antidepressant such as nortriptyline
(Pamelor), amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), doxepin (Sinequan),
desipramine (Norpramin), clomipramine (Anafranil), or imipramine
(Tofranil);
- a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
such as fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine
(Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft);
- clonidine (Catapres);
or
- guanethidine (Ismelin).
You may require
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking
any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Concerta.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
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