Concerta for ADHD in Children Medication Profile

Concerta for ADHD in Children Medication Profile ADHD Treatment Print How Concerta Can Help Children With ADHD This Medication Helps Control ADHD Symptoms for Up to 12 Hours By Vincent Iannelli, MD facebook Vincent Iannelli, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Iannelli has cared for children for more than 20 years. Learn about our editorial policy Vincent Iannelli, MD Medically reviewed by a board-certified physician Updated on February 04, 2020 ADHD Overview Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Living With In Children Tetra Images/Getty Images Concerta was the first truly long-lasting, extended-release form of Ritalin. (Technically,  Ritalin SR came first, but it didnt really last all day for most kids, and it definitely didnt provide the 12 hours of symptom control that Concerta offered.) The benefit of this all-day relief from symptoms of  ADHD  (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)  meant that kids with ADHD no longer had to line up during lunch to get their ADHD medicines from the school nurse. What Concerta Is Used For Concerta is a central nervous system stimulant that is used to treat children and teens with ADHD. It can be prescribed to children who are over six years old, although, since it is a pill that must be swallowed, even some young children who are over age six may have problems taking it. Facts Together with Adderall XR, Concerta is one of the two most commonly prescribed ADHD medications for children. It lasts for 12 hours in most kids, helps to control all of the core symptoms of ADHDâ€"including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivityâ€"and has a relatively low incidence of side effects. Other facts about Concerta: The active ingredient in Concerta is methylphenidate HCl or Ritalin.Concerta is available in 18-mg (milligram), 27-mg, 36-mg, and 54-mg capsules.Teens can take up to 72 milligrams of Concerta per day as two 36-mg capsules.You cant open, crush, or chew Concerta, unlike many other once-a-day ADHD medicines, which limits its use in younger children who cant swallow pills. Side Effects Like other stimulants, Concerta has side effects that sometimes limit its usefulness, but its side effects are not as common as you might expect. Concerta is usually well tolerated by most children and adolescents. The most common side effects are headaches, stomach pain, sleeplessness (insomnia), and decreased appetite. Other side effects can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, nervousness, tics, allergic reactions, increased blood pressure, and psychosis. If your child is having minor side effects, they can often be controlled by lowering your childs dosage of Concerta. So ask your childs pediatrician if thats a possibility. If the side effects continue after a dosage is lowered or if your child is having unacceptable side effects, then he or she should likely be switched to a ?different ADHD medication. Ask your childs pediatrician if there are other options to try. Your pediatrician should also monitor your childs growth and blood pressure while he or she is taking Concerta to watch for any potential problems. Who Should Not Take Concerta Although Concerta is well tolerated by most children, there are some who should not take it, including children: With marked anxiety, tension, and agitationWho are hypersensitive or allergic to methylphenidateWith motor tics, Tourettes syndrome, or a family history of Tourettes syndromeWho are taking an MAO inhibitorWho are having seizures What You Need to Know Concerta is one of the first-line therapies that is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dont be disappointed if you dont see great results with your childs first prescription, though, as your pediatrician may need to adjust your childs Concerta dosage up or down to get it just right. Keep in mind that many problems with Concerta can be fixed by a dosage adjustment. Other Important Information About Concerta Since Concerta lasts for 12 hours  if you forget to give your child a dose in the morning, skip it for the day since if you give it too late in the day, your child will likely have trouble getting to sleep that night.Although some parents dont give their children Concerta on weekends or holidays, many experts recommend avoiding these types of drug holidays.Johnson Johnson participates in the Rx Assist  Patient Assistance Program, where you may be able to get financial help if you cant afford to pay for your childs Concerta.