Concerta
Medically reviewed
| Name of Medication | Concerta |
|---|---|
| Medication Type | Long-acting stimulant |
| Generic Name of Medication | Methylphenidate HCL |
| How to use this medication | Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. Take in the morning. Some drugs may need to be taken with food or on an empty stomach. For some drugs it does not matter. Check with your pharmacist about how to take this drug. Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush. If you have been taking this drug for a long time or at high doses, it may not work as well and you may need higher doses to get the same effect. This is known as tolerance. Call your doctor if this drug stops working well. Do not take more than ordered. Limit your use of caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate. Use with this drug may cause nervousness, shakiness, and a fast heartbeat. Have your blood work checked if you are on this drug for a long time. Talk with your doctor. If you are taking this drug and have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and some natural products or aids. |
| How to store this medication | Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. Store this drug in a safe place where children cannot see or reach it, and where other people cannot get to it. A locked box or area may help keep this drug safe. Keep all drugs away from pets. |
| How to dispose of this medication | Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area. |
| Potential side effects | Signs of an allergic reaction (rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat) High blood pressure Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) Not able to get or keep an erection. Change in sex interest. Seizures. Change in eyesight. Erections (hard penis) that happen often or that last a long time. Change in color of hands, feet, or other areas. Numbness, pain, tingling, or cold feeling of the hands or feet. Hallucinations Any sores or wounds on the fingers or toes. - Muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, or trouble passing urine. Heart attacks, strokes, and sudden deaths have happened in adults taking this drug. Sudden deaths have also happened in children with some heart problems or heart defects. Call your doctor right away if you have a fast, slow, or abnormal heartbeat; weakness on 1 side of the body; trouble speaking or thinking; change in balance; drooping on 1 side of the face; change in eyesight; chest pain or pressure; shortness of breath; or severe dizziness or passing out. |
| What to tell your doctor before taking this medication | If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. If you or a family member have any of these health problems: Blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, heart structure problems or other heart problems, or Tourette's syndrome or tics. If you have any of these health problems: Glaucoma, agitation, anxiety, or overactive thyroid. If you have ever had any of these health problems: Drug abuse or stroke. If you are taking any of these drugs: Acetazolamide or sodium bicarbonate. If you have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinson's disease in the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. Very high blood pressure may happen. If you are taking any of these drugs: Linezolid or methylene blue. If you have ever had any of these health problems: Cystic fibrosis; narrowing of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract or other GI problems like bowel block, small bowel disease, short gut syndrome, or slow-moving swallowing tube (esophagus) or bowel tract; peritonitis. |
| Be sure to tell all your health providers | Yes |
