Concerta is the brand name for methylphenidate HCl, a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both adults and children. The medication is classified as a central nervous system stimulant and is approved for use in people aged 6 to 65 years old, according to the manufacturer, McNeil Pediatrics. Side effects of medicines vary from person to person. Common side effects associated with use of Concerta do not always require medical attention, and may be different for adults and children.
Headache
Headache is one of the most common side effects experienced by adults who take Concerta to manage ADHD behaviors. Trials of the medication performed by McNeil Pediatrics show that slightly more than 22 percent of people taking the medication reported headache as a side effect. A study reported in Drugs.com's information about Concerta shows that 14 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 12 taking the medication experienced headaches as well. Adolescents reported headaches in 9 percent of cases.
Stomach Pain
Abdominal pain, constipation and indigestion are all among the common side effects of Concerta. These symptoms as among the most common in children who take Concerta. Adults who use the medication do not experience stomach pain as much as children, but the side effect still ranks high on the list.
Nausea
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and dry mouth were among the most-reported symptons of adults who take Concerta. McNeil Pediatric's clinical trial results show that one-quarter of adults using Concerta experience a loss of appetite, while almost 13 percent of adults report nausea. Episodes of vomiting for both adults and children accounted for less than 3 percent of people studied, but still remains a common side effect.
Sweating
Excessive sweating, a medical condition called hyperhidrosis, is a common side effect associated with Concerta use in adults. Hyperhidrosis is most often experienced at night and typically affects the palms of the hands, the feet or the underarms. People who use Concerta and develop hyperhidrosis may want to consult their physicians for ways to manage the excessive sweating.
Mood Disorders
Common side effects involving mood or mental state mainly affect adults who take Concerta. Nervousness, depressive moods and anxiety are all reported with higher rank than many other adverse reactions, according to McNeil Pediatrics. Insomnia may strike children, adolescents and adults who use the medication.
Member Comments