Effects Of Concerta Use

What Are The Effects Of Concerta Use?

Concerta is an oral prescription medication used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Stimulant affects the brain, resulting in heightened focus and attentiveness. The effects of Concerta use also aid in providing relief for problematic behavior such as poor listening, restlessness, and disorganization.

Concerta became popular in the 2000s as an alternative to Ritalin; like Ritalin, it is a controlled substance. Both medications contain the ingredient Methylphenidate, which has powerful effects. Concerta is typically taken in the prescribed dosages of 18mg, 27mg, 36mg, and 54mg. Individuals with glaucoma, anxiety, or those taking Antidepressants may want to reconsider taking Concerta due to a host of side effects.

Concerta Crash: A Short-Term Effect Of Concerta

If Concerta is taken outside of the suggested dosage, there could be challenging, threatening results. For one, it affects the central nervous system (CNS) by stimulating it. Taking too much Concerta can result in a crash. Known as “Concerta crash,” this short-term side effect occurs because of how Concerta works.

Concerta causes the release of brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. Once the individual has taken Concerta, the Stimulant fades, causing the individual to feel drowsy. In addition, the individual can experience dizziness, dry mouth, anxiety, irritability, and problems sleeping.

Concerta crashes can disrupt the individual’s focus, resulting in feelings of distraction and frustration. At this point, he or she may decide to take more of the prescribed dosage to make up for the body’s lower production of chemicals. He or she may have developed a tolerance, where the user needs to take more to feel the same effects, or a Concerta dependence, where the user will experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drug or reduce their dose.

Long-Term Effects Of Concerta

The long-term effects of Concerta are still being discovered. One of the most threatening side effects of Concerta is an increased risk of adult substance abuse. Studies reveal children who have ADHD are more predisposed to a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) compared to children who do not have ADHD. It’s speculated this may have something to do with an early exposure to prescription medications. Since Concerta can be addicting, early exposure to a substance with side effects can not only foster a tolerance but also introduce the idea of using pills for relief.

Users may not be able to concentrate on everyday matters and find it difficult to perform at required levels in school or at work. Individuals taking Concerta have experienced more severe symptoms, including seizures, vertigo, and hallucinations. Rashes, increased blood pressure, mood swings, and increased heart rate have been reported. Concerta can also affect appetite by decreasing it, hence creating weight loss. Individuals can suffer poor circulation as well as stomach, esophagus, and intestinal blockages. Furthermore, men can suffer priapism, which affects reproduction and virility. Lastly, overdose can occur.

The Effects Of Concerta On Children

Oftentimes, children are most vulnerable to the side effects of Concerta. Sometimes patients are diagnosed with ADHD as young as 5, when the body is still developing. Because of the body’s growth and development, Concerta can have interesting and unique effects on children. Concerta’s instruction manual noted the following findings in children:

• Headaches (14%)
• Upper respiratory infections (8%)
• Abdominal pain (7%)
• Vomiting (4%)
• Loss of appetite (4%)
• Insomnia (4%)
• Severe cough (4%)
• Pharyngitis (4%)
• Sinusitis (3%)
• Dizziness (2%)

Upper abdominal pain is one of the most common Concerta side effects in children. Children with anxiety, tics, Tourette’s syndrome, and glaucoma may not be suited for the drug, as it creates complex effects.

The Effects Of Combining Medications With Concerta

Both short-term and long-term effects of Concerta vary depending on a number of factors, including the age of the individual and their medical history. If someone is taking another prescribed medication, like Antidepressants, the 2 drugs together can cause negative reactions in the mind or body. Benzodiazepines and Concerta can be an especially poor drug combination, as Benzos cause drowsiness.

Prescription Opioids, which are highly addictive, should be avoided with Concerta. Alcohol is not recommended for use in combination with Concerta. When Methylphenidate is combined with alcohol, the effect is a faster release of the chemical into the bloodstream. This can increase side effects, or make the individual feel sick, depending on how much alcohol is consumed.

Concerta Withdrawal And Treatment

Concerta dependence can cause withdrawal symptoms once someone decides to suddenly stop or reduce their dose. Withdrawals are discomforting effects the body and mind endure once the individuals stop using a drug. In the case of Stimulants like Concerta, many can feel depressed, irritable, and tired. Users may continue Stimulant use because they have become comfortable and dependent on the effects of the drug.

Take Control Before It Gets Worse

Concerta dependence can cause much distress, no matter if it’s a child patient or an adult patient that is struggling. The best way to be proactive about living a Concerta-free life is to find treatment. Contact a treatment provider to discover what options you have available, and make an informed choice about your future. Help is out there; connect to a path for sobriety today.