1. Concerta Sharpens Your Mind
Concerta is one of the many drugs doctors prescribe to patients suffering from attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). By stimulating your entire central nervous system, Concerta helps you focus on tasks, finish your work and organize your time. It also combats impulsiveness and distractibility, two of the main symptoms of ADD and ADHD.
2. Watch for Serious Side Effects
Even though it's a really helpful drug, Concerta does carry the risk of certain severe side effects. If you experience any of these side effects while using Concerta, stop taking it at once and get in touch with your doctor immediately: irregular heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, light-headedness, blistering skin rash, fever, hallucinations, tics and aggression. Other milder side effects are weight loss, dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety and nausea. You don't need to quit taking Concerta if you run into any of these, but you should still mention them to your doctor.
3. Steer Clear of the Jitters
Like Ritalin and other drugs containing methylphenidate, Concerta gives you a boost of mental energy that helps you stay productive. Unfortunately, not everyone can safely enjoy these benefits. People with anxiety, depression, Tourette's Syndrome and tics can experience a worsening of their symptoms after taking Concerta. Even if you don't have any of these conditions, Concerta can leave you feeling jumpy and restless. Because of this, it's best to take Concerta early in the day to prevent overstimulation and insomnia.
4. Stay Off the MAOIs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were the first medications used to directly treat depression. Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclics are more popular today, MAOIs are still used frequently, especially by patients who can't find relief with other medications. If you're currently taking MAOIs to treat depression or any other condition, let your doctor know. You'll need to wait at least 14 days after you stop taking the MAOIs before you can start taking Concerta. The two drugs produce serious and potentially lethal interactions.
5. Concerta's a Drug of Abuse
Drugs containing methylphenidate are generally addictive and prone to abuse. Concerta's no exception to this rule and is classified by the federal government as a Schedule II controlled substance. This puts Concerta in a dangerous class of drugs that are only allowed to hit the streets under the close supervision of doctors and pharmacists. As a testament to Concerta's addictive power, morphine, oxycodone, amphetamines and phencyclidine (PCP) are also Schedule II drugs. Keep this in mind when choosing to treat ADD or ADHD with Concerta, and always follow your doctor's prescription when taking it.
