Concerta is a long-acting methylphenidate stimulant medication used to treat children with ADHD. It works by releasing a certain amount of medication upon taking it, and then releases the rest of the medication slowly over the next several hours. It is meant to be taken once a day and should be effective for 10 to 12 hours, which is a significant benefit of this type of medication.
Headache and Stomachache
Common side effects of stimulant medications like Concerta are headache and stomachache. In a clinical trial conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of children taking the medication, 14 percent described having headaches and 7 percent reported having stomachaches. Some 4 percent of children reported vomiting as well. Although common side effects, these often fade over time or with a change in dosing.
Trouble Sleeping
Some children demonstrate difficulty sleeping, especially falling asleep, while taking Concerta. The FDA clinical trial found that 4 percent of children reported difficulty sleeping. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that children with difficulty sleeping may do better with a smaller dose of medication or with a shorter-acting type of drug that does not remain in the system as long.
Lack of Appetite
Children may report decreased appetite while taking Concerta. In the FDA clinical trial, 4 percent of children reported loss of appetite. This side effect may result in weight loss, and possibly slowed growth and development; however, these effects are often only short-term.
Tics
Another potential side effect of Concerta use is the development of tics, such as blinking, strange facial expressions or throat clearing. In most children, a change in the amount of medication or stopping it completely will eliminate this symptom. The FDA reports the incidence of tics in children taking Concerta to range from 1 percent to 9 percent. While not considered a common side effect, the presence of tics does occur in children taking this medication.
Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
According to the FDA, taking Concerta has been shown to increase heart rate by 2 to 6 beats per minute, and the medication increases blood pressure as well. While this may not be cause for concern in most children, the agency warns that children with preexisting heart conditions of any kind are at greater risk for complications and even sudden death because of this side effect. For this reason, a thorough medical history and assessment should be conducted to avoid complications such as this.
Member Comments