Physicians may prescribe Concerta, or methylphenidate HCl, to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, as well as pervasive developmental disorders, or PDD. The "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" describes the PDD designation as covering five disorders denoting difficulties in communication, socialization, attention to task and tendencies for repetitive movements and speech such as autism. Concerta is a central nervous system stimulant with a 12-hour extended-release action. When used with PDD patients, Concerta is known to have a number of possible side effects.
Insomnia
Concerta may cause insomnia along with anxiety and nervousness as a side effect. The Drugs.com website states that 30 percent of patients taking Concerta with the 12-hour release transdermal patch suffered insomnia, with lesser reports of hallucinations, depression, aggressive behaviors and emotional upset.
Dependence
Patients using Concerta, especially those disposed to addiction or who tend to abuse drugs, may become dependent on the medication as a side effect. The Concerta website states anyone with alcohol or illicit drug problems should not take the medication.
Stomach Upset
During clinical trials, the most common reported side effect of taking Concerta was stomach upset. The RxList.com website states that more than 5 percent of child and adolescent patients who took Concerta complained of upper abdominal pain.
Headaches
In adult patients who took Concerta, more than 5 percent reported headaches, dry mouth and dizziness. The RxList.com website says there were also reports of weight loss and irritability by adult patients.
High Blood Pressure
Concerta may trigger high blood pressure in patients. The Drugs.com website suggests you should not take Concerta if you have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease or if you have had a heart attack. The site states a fatal cardiac arrest has been reported from taking Concerta.
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