What is Concerta? Uses, warnings & side effects

Take your Concerta as directed. The dose may need to be changed several times to reach the most effective dose.

Please read the Medication Guide that comes with the medicine.

Take Concerta tablets in the morning.

Take only one tablet each day.

Swallow the tablet whole with water or other liquid. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

An empty tablet covering may pass into the stools. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

Store Concerta in a tightly closed container or in the reusable travel case at room temperature. Keep the tablets protected from humidity.

Ask the prescriber or a pharmacist what to do if a Concerta dose is missed.

Concerta doses should be taken in the morning. As a general rule, a missed dose of Concerta can be taken anytime in the morning.

Taking a missed dose later in the day risks sleeping problems at night.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to methylphenidate.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare professional who treats you that you or your child is using methylphenidate.

The doctor prescribing methylphenidate may need to perform regular examinations to monitor side effects and the effectiveness of the treatment. Keep all appointments.

Tell the prescriber if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have:

• Any history of heart problems or heart disease

• A heart defect

• High blood pressure

• Circulation problems in the feet or legs

• Eye problems, including glaucoma

• Intestinal blockage

• Any history of seizures

• Any history or family history of mental health issues, including depression, bipolar disorder, or psychosis

• Tourette syndrome, motor tics, or a family history of Tourette syndrome

• Any history of drug abuse or addiction

Tell the prescriber if you or your child is agitated or anxious. Methylphenidate may not be an appropriate drug.

Concerta can cause serious problems, including:

• Heart problems

• Circulation problems in the hands and feet

• High blood pressure

• Increased pressure in the eye or glaucoma

• Prolonged and painful erection

• Growth suppression in children

This medicine can worsen underlying psychiatric issues like anxiety, mania, psychosis, or motor tics.

This medicine may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

If you need surgery, tell the doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine. Some anesthesia drugs can interact with methylphenidate.

This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call the prescriber if the medicine does not seem to be working.

Concerta is a controlled substance. Selling or giving this medicine to another person is hazardous and illegal.

Do not use methylphenidate if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days.

To avoid other potential drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use, particularly:

• Other stimulants

• Drugs that narrow blood vessels (vasopressors)

• Blood thinners

• Medicines that treat depression

• Medicines that treat or prevent seizures

• Antacids or stomach acid reducers

• The antipsychotic drug risperidone

Avoid drinking alcohol when taking extended-release methylphenidate. 

Tell other healthcare providers about methylphenidate before they prescribe new medications or schedule medical procedures or surgery.