BRAND NAMES
STIMULANT MEDICATIONS
METHYLPHENIDATE-
Concerts, Daytrana
Metadata CD,
Metadata ER, Methylin Chewable, Methylin ER, Methylin Oral
Suspension,
PMS Methylphenidate, Ritalin,
Ritalin LA,
Ritalin SR, DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE-
Focalin,
Focalin XR
BASIC CONCERTA INFO
Habit forming? Yes
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes, for some
Drug class: Central nervous system stimulant, sympathomimetic
CONCERTA MEDICAL USES
Decreases over activity and lengthens attention span in children (and adults) with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- A total treatment plan may also include educa-tional, social and psychological therapies.
- Treatment of depression in adults.
- Treatment for narcolepsy (uncontrollable attacks of sleepiness) and other disorders.
MEDICAL DOSAGE & CONCERTA USAGE
How to take CONCERTA:
- Tablet (short-acting): Swallow with liquid. Take as directed, usually 30-45 minutes before meals or with meals if stomach upset occurs.
- If swallowing is a problem, ask your pharmacist if tablet can be crushed and taken with liquid or small amount of food.
-Skin patch: Follow instructions on label.
- Extended or sustained release tablet and capsule: Swallow whole with liquid, usually before breakfast (or as directed).
- Do not crush tablet.
- Do not open capsule (unless your label states that the capsule may be opened and sprinkled over cool applesauce and then . swallowed right away).
- Oral solution or chewable tablet: Follow instructions on label.
When to take CONCERTA:
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At the same times each day.
- Regular tablets are often taken at breakfast and lunch (best not to take late in day).
- Extended-release forms are usually taken in the morning.
If you forget a dose:
- Take as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
What drug does:
- Stimulates brain to improve alertness, concentration and attention span.
- Calms the hyperactive child and Improves ability to focus.
Time lapse before drug works:
- May take 2 or more weeks to see effectiveness.
- Dosage may be increased or decreased depending on the response and side effects.
Don't take with:
-
Any other medicine or any dietary supplement without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
 CONCERTA OVERDOSE |
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 SYMPTOMS:
Rapid heartbeat, fever, confusion, vomiting, agitation, hallucinations, convulsions, coma. |
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 CONCERTA SIDE EFFECTS
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Common Concerta Side
Effects:
Fast heartbeat, blood pressure increased. Nervousness, appetite loss, trouble sleeping.
Infrequent Concerta Side Effects:
- Rash or hives, chest
or joint pain, unusual
bruising or bleeding,
unable to control body
movements, fever. Nausea, dizziness,
headache, stomach
pain, drowsiness,
and muscle cramps.
Rare Concerta Side Effects:
Changed or blurred vision, unusual vocal outbursts, convulsions, abnormal or manic behavior, trouble breathing, fainting, and hallucinations, is suspicious.
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 | PRECAUTIONS
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Don't take if:
-
You are allergic to stimulant medications.
Before you start, consult your doctor if:
- You have epilepsy or have seizures.
- You have high blood pressure, any heart or blood vessel disorder or liver problems.
- You have glaucoma.
- You take MAO inhibitors.
- You suffer from anxiety, agitation, and tension, depressive or psychotic problems or have Tourette's syndrome or motor tics.
- You have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
Over age 60:
-
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.
Pregnancy:
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Decide with your doctor if drug benefits justify
risk to unborn child.
Breast-feeding:
-
It is unknown if drug passes into milk.
- Avoid drug or stop nursing until you finish medicine.
- Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.
Infants & children:
-
Use only under medical supervision for children 6 or older.
- Regular doctor visits are important to monitor drug's effectiveness and side effects.
Prolonged use:
- Increased risk of weight loss and abnormal behaviors.
- Rare risk of physical growth retardation in children.
- Talk to your doctor about the need for follow up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check drug's effectiveness and monitor any adverse effects.
Skin & sunlight:
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No problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
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Don't drive, ride a bicycle or pilot aircraft until you learn how drug affects you.
- Don't work around dangerous machinery.
- Don't climb ladders or work in high places.
- Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take drugs affecting alertness and reflexes.
Discontinuing:
- Don't discontinue without doctor's advice even if symptoms diminish or disappear.
- Withdrawal symptoms may occur after you discontinue the drug.
- Report to your doctor any new physical or emotional symptoms
Others:
- Drug may cause serious heart and psychiatric
(mental) problems, including sudden death.
- Read warning information provided with prescription.
- Call doctor right away if symptoms develop (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or hallucinations).
- Dose must be carefully adjusted by doctor.
- Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult about the use of this medicine.
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