All Side Effects Of Concerta

Concerta is a central nervous system stimulant that is prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. The paradoxical effect is not understood. It is also used for depression in the elderly, narcolepsy and other conditions. Concerta is a controlled substance with the generic name of methylphenidate hydrochloride. It contains the same active ingredient as Ritalin.

Neurological Side Effects

Common neurological side effects of Concerta include insomnia, anxiety, irritability, headache, dizziness and nervousness. Less common side effects include drowsiness, psychosis, tremor, sedation, tingling skin, depression, restlessness, agitation, aggression, difficulty controlling voluntary muscles, jerky movements, Tourette's syndrome (a condition characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations), blurry vision and vision difficulties.

Cardiovascular and Blood-Related Side Effects

Common cardiovascular side effects include low blood pressure, high blood pressure, slow heart rate and fast heart rate. Less common side effects include the sensation of the heart pounding in the chest, chest pain, heart rhythm problems, a decrease in leukocytes (a type of white blood cell) and anemia.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Common gastrointestinal side effects of methylprenidate include stomach pain, loss of appetite, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. A less common side effect is heartburn.

Skin-Related Side Effects

Skin-related side effects are uncommon and include hives, rash, balding, inflammation with peeling, skin lesions with surrounding redness, and bleeding in the skin.

Other Side Effects

A common side effect is excessive sweating. Less common side effects include fever, joint pain, slowed growth in children, psychological dependence, tolerance, cough, upper respiratory infection, muscle tightness, teeth grinding and decreased sexual interest.

Considerations

Concerta must be taken exactly as prescribed. The patient's complete blood count and platelet count should be monitored while on this medication. Blood pressure should be checked frequently during the first few months of use. The drug should not be given after 6 p.m. to avoid insomnia. According to 2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide, alcohol should be avoided while taking Concerta. Over-the-counter drugs should be taken only with physician supervision. Parents of children taking this drug should ensure that the medication is not diverted to others as it is a known drug of abuse. The growth rate of a child who is taking this drug long-term should be monitored for normalcy.