Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, is a disorder characterized by difficulty maintaining focus and attention and controlling hyperactive and impulsive behavior. Symptoms of the disorder must be present in early childhood and occur in at least two settings, such as home and school. Children with ADHD may be diagnosed with one of three subtypes of the disorder: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, or combined type. Treatment for ADHD often includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Concerta is a type of stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. This medication was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2000 and provides extended release coverage.
Symptoms of Inattention
Children who struggle with inattention demonstrate significant difficulty staying focused on a given task. They tend not to listen to others, have difficulty following directions and staying organized. These children struggle to stay engaged on a task, becoming bored and distracted. They tend to make careless mistakes and lose important items. At times, these children may appear to be daydreaming or confused and may process incoming information slower than others.
Symptoms of Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
Children with ADHD who demonstrate hyperactive and impulsive symptoms seem to be constantly on the move. They tend to talk excessively and have difficulty remaining seated. While seated, they are likely to fidget, and while playing, they tend to run, climb and touch everything around them. Quiet activities are especially difficult for these children. They also tend to be impatient, unable to wait to take turns or speak in class. They may become emotional, fail to control outbursts and interrupt others frequently.
Concerta
Concerta is an extended release methylphenidate stimulant medication. It differs from other stimulant medications in the way it releases medication into the body. Each capsule is divided into three compartments. The first compartment contains an initial dose of medication, which is released into the body soon after taking the capsule. The second compartment contains a substance that expands when it contacts liquid. This expansion gradually pushes the remaining medication out into the body throughout the day. The medication is intended to remain effective for a 10 to 12 hour period, gradually providing symptom relief through the course of the day.
Side Effects of Concerta
Common side effects of Concerta include difficulty sleeping, headache, upset stomach, decreased appetite, dizziness and cold symptoms. More serious side effects can occur in people with preexisting heart conditions. The risk of sudden death, stroke and heart attack are elevated for these people. This medication also causes a moderate increase in blood pressure and heart rate. There is also a risk of psychiatric complications, including the onset of mania in persons with bipolar disorder and the emergence of hallucinations and paranoia in persons with no previous psychiatric problems. Additional risks include aggressive behavior, decreased growth, blurred vision, seizures and gastrointestinal complications.
Effectiveness of Concerta
Clinical studies conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration demonstrated the effectiveness of Concerta. In children between the age of 6 and 12, studies demonstrated that those children given Concerta over a three-week period showed significant reduction in ADHD symptoms more so than those children given a placebo or inactive sugar pill. In adolescents between the age of 13 and 18, those children taking Concerta over a two-week period also showed improved behavior and attention over those teens taking a placebo. These studies demonstrate that Concerta is effective in minimizing the symptoms of ADHD in both children and teens.
