What is Concerta?
Concerta is the trade name for methylphenidate, a central nervous system stimulant medication used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is available under prescription and, taken with counselling and therapy, can be part of a programme of treatment for ADHD. Concerta is also used in the treatment of narcolepsy, a sleep disorder [1].
What Does Concerta Do?
Stimulating the central nervous system, Concerta relieves inattention and hyperactivity. It provides a calming effect while enhancing focus and attention, thereby reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity. Concerta relieves ADHD by prolonging the delivery of methylphenidate in the body slowly, over time, after oral administration, allowing for once-daily dosing [2, 3].
Concerta works primarily by elevating dopamine in the brain, thereby energising the brain and enhancing attention and focus. The ‘regular’ adult dose is 18–36 mg a day, though the dose can range from 18–72 mg per day, depending on the patient’s response to the drug [3].
Concerta, it should be remembered, is a potent medication taken under a doctor’s supervision only. It causes side effects, including changes in vision and dizziness. It is also considered a schedule-II controlled substance, which means it can lead to addiction [1].
Benefits of Concerta
Concerta, generically called methylphenidate, is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It has demonstrated increases in attention and a calming effect in some ADHD patients [1].
The most crucial benefit of Concerta is its ability to improve attention, social behaviour and cognition (thinking) in children with ADHD. Children treated with Concerta have improved in all three factors [4]. School-aged children with ADHD treated with Concerta also improved academic performance, gaining points on tasks that gauge academic learning [5].
Another advantage is that Concerta has a long-acting formulation and is available as tablets in four strengths: 18mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, and 54 mg. This formulation can control symptoms for several hours after administration [2]. This long-lasting effect could help manage ADHD symptoms throughout the day and reduce the need for multiple doses.
Concerta can help, but it also has various side effects and should be taken under the supervision of a medical provider, primarily to exclude some known risk factors.
Risk Factors of Concerta
Concerta, a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has several risk factors associated with its use.
One of the main risk factors is a history of drug dependence or alcohol use disorder. Concerta comes with a boxed warning about the risk of drug dependence, particularly for anyone who has a history of substance dependence or alcohol use disorder [6].
Other risk factors include having other health conditions such as severe anxiety or agitation, tics or Tourette syndrome, and glaucoma. For example, if you have severe anxiety or tics or Tourette’s, your doctor will be hesitant to prescribe you Concerta because you may feel worse with these issues [2, 6].
Concerta can also increase the risk of seizures, particularly in individuals who already have a history of seizures. Therefore, it's crucial to inform your doctor if you have a history of seizures before starting Concerta [2, 6].
Mental health conditions, such as psychosis or bipolar disorder, are also risk factors. Concerta may exacerbate these conditions, so it's important to discuss any mental health conditions with your doctor before starting Concerta [2, 6].
Circulatory problems, heart disease and hypertension are another set of risk factors, and the existence or worsening of any of these can be a consequence or side-effect of taking Concerta. It is crucial, as with many medications, for you to discuss with your doctor any issues about your cardiovascular health before embarking on Concerta use [2, 6].
Problems with the oesophagus, intestines and stomach can also be risk factors. Concerta tablets don’t melt after being taken; instead, they pass through unchanged, and people who have trouble in their gastrointestinal tract might be more likely to struggle with such large tablets as they pass through the intestines [6].
Pregnancy and breastfeeding may be risk factors. It is unknown if Concerta is safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so talk to your doctor about that if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding [6].
Can You Lose Weight On Concerta?
Concerta is also used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), where its use has also been reported to lead to weight loss. This can be attributed to either a direct effect on appetite or the effect of stimulant drugs to increase the rate at which the body burns calories (stimulant-induced hypermetabolism) [1, 7].
However, Concerta is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a weight-loss drug but as a stimulant to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thus, Concerta-induced weight loss is a side effect rather than a primary effect of the medication. Hence, using Concerta solely for weight loss can lead to dependency on the drug to maintain a desired physique [7].
Additionally, although you will lose weight, you must ensure adequate caloric intake. If you eat less because of appetite suppression, ensure your food is highly nutritious. Too much reliance on Concerta over the long term leads to malnutrition and other consequences [1].
To summarise, though it can be a side-effect of Concerta, it is not a weight-loss medication and should not be used for this purpose. If you take Concerta and notice any changes in your weight, it is essential to report these to your doctor [7].