Concerta is a brand name for methylphenidate, a prescription medication used to treat ADHD in adults and children. Individuals taking Concerta can safely engage in most daily activities without issue, but because of some of Concerta's side effects, you should take extra precautions to avoid injury when participating in extreme sports, such as snowboarding. Concerta might be used in conjunction with other medications to control symptoms, so you should check with your doctor before engaging in any sports to see if any of your other medications might have an effect on your plans.
Step 1
Discuss your plans to go snowboarding with your prescribing doctor. She might recommend that you wait several weeks to go snowboarding after starting Concerta so that she can observe you and make sure that you are not suffering from any of the more serious side effects associated with the drug. Side effects often are worse during the first few weeks of beginning a medication.
Step 2
Take your medication as prescribed on the day of your snowboarding trip and each day before and after. Do not skip a dose. It is important that you take your medicine every day for it to work properly and to avoid negative side effects that might result from missing a dose.
Step 3
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated while you are snowboarding and take breaks to eat a nutritious lunch and snacks. Some of the possible side effects of Concerta include headache, nausea and dizziness, which can be made worse by dehydration or lack of proper nutrition.
Step 4
Wear a helmet and any other protective clothing necessary to keep yourself safe from injury while snowboarding. Although the chances of injury due to Concerta are minimal, those taking prescription medications always should take precautions to keep themselves safe.
Step 5
Stop snowboarding if you experience blurred vision, seizures, chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting, and call your doctor immediately.
Tips and Warnings
- Get plenty of rest the night before your snowboarding trip. Stick with a buddy on the slopes -- always a good idea whether or you take medication. Carry a cell phone in a waterproof cover in case of emergency. Conditions will vary depending on whether you are snowboarding on groomed trails or in the backcountry. If you are snowboarding off of marked trails, take precautions to ensure your safety and speak to your doctor about what to do in case of an emergency. If you are a competitive snowboarder, speak to your coach about how your medication might affect your training and performance.
Things You'll Need
- Helmet and protective gear
- Snacks and nutritious lunch
- Cellphone
- Waterproof case
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