ADHD Medication - Concerta
Concerta and Ritalin LA are both used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are both containing the same medication, the methylphenidate. But they release it differently in your body.
Concerta has been proven in clinical studies to reduce inattention in both adults and children. It also improves other ADHD symptoms.
What is Concerta?
Concerta contains the drug methylphenidate, which is part of the class of drugs called stimulants. It boosts the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This increases your ability to concentrate and control impulses. In addition, Concerta regulates heart rate and blood pressure to maintain your alertness.
Concerta is effective for many people suffering from ADHD and offers symptom relief and improved performance. However, treatment response can vary from person to person and the side effects can be experienced. It is essential to stay in constant contact with your doctor and observe your symptoms. Modifying your medication or evaluating alternatives to treatment can help reduce the side effects associated with this ADHD medication.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Concerta to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children aged 6-12, adolescents, and adults up to age 65. It improves the focus of people with inattentive ADHD and reduces impulsive and hyperactive behavior, which are the most prominent symptoms of the condition.
In addition, Concerta enhances cognitive function for people suffering from ADHD by enhancing the communication between two areas of the brain called the striatum and frontal cortex. This communication is impaired due to ADHD and can impair executive function and behavioral control.
Concerta's extended-release delivery system allows it to be taken only once per day, and provides continuous monitoring of symptoms throughout the day. This minimizes the peak and valleys associated with stimulants with shorter duration. It is available in 18mg, 27mg, 36mg, and 54mg dosages. Your doctor will prescribe a dose according to your age, weight and a clinical evaluation. You should not share your prescription with anyone, even another person with ADHD.
How do you make Concerta Work?
Like other ADHD medications, Concerta works by boosting neurotransmitter activity in the brain. The drug is active in the striatum and frontal cortex and helps people suffering from ADHD to better manage their emotions and cognitive functions.
The drug is a stimulant, and it increases dopamine levels and norepinephrine levels within the brain. It also hinders the release of these chemicals into synapses. This improves neurotransmission and improves attention and focus. It also affects the reward pathway within the brain. This can reduce impulsive behaviors and encourage people to focus on tasks more efficiently.
In clinical studies, Concerta was shown to reduce ADHD symptoms in children as well as adults. It also improves academic performance and functioning aiding people suffering from ADHD to live better lives. The medication is designed to be taken only once daily and lasts about 10-12 hours.
It is crucial to take your medication according to the instructions of your doctor. If you do not remember to take your dose, do so as soon as possible. It is crucial to not double the dose or take more than what your doctor recommends. This can increase your risk of side effects and overdose.
If you or your child have difficulties swallowing pills, consult your doctor about alternative ways to take the medication. Avoid chewing or breaking tablets since this can cause tablets to release entire medication at once. It is also essential to take the medication with food, since it will prevent stomach upset.
Stimulants are potent drugs, and they can be misused. They are Schedule II controlled substances, and they carry a risk of addiction. It is essential to discuss with your physician the risks and benefits of taking Concerta prior to beginning treatment.
Dosage
Your doctor will have filled out a scale to rate the symptoms of ADHD. These forms are designed to inquire about issues like impulsivity and inattention. They can help you and your doctor see how the medication is working. It is crucial to keep an eye on your child's symptoms while taking Concerta. You or your doctor may utilize a printable medication diary to track this.
Concerta is an anti-stimulant drug that can improve ADHD symptoms in people of all ages, including children and adolescents. It is a methylphenidate-based active ingredient, which boosts levels of neurotransmitters that influence attention and impulse control in the brain. The drug is available in the form of an extended-release tablet (Concerta ER) and a capsule with a long-acting mechanism (Jornay PM). Use the medication according to the instructions of your doctor. Never change your dose without consulting your physician.
adhd medication and pregnancy abuse stimulants, like Concerta, by taking more than prescribed or crushing and snorting the tablets to gain a stronger level of. This type of abuse occurs more often when drugs are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream such as amphetamines. Concerta's complicated release mechanism makes it less likely than other medications to be misused.
Drugs that stimulate your heart, like Concerta can trigger side effects on your heart and blood vessels. This could include a fast heartbeat, chest pain, tightness, or problems with your blood pressure and circulation. Speak to your doctor in case you are suffering from any heart issues. There are also concerns that stimulants such as Concerta, can slow down growth in children and teens. Some studies have shown no effect, while other studies have shown a minimal inhibition of growth.
Side effects
When taking medication to treat ADHD, doctors and patients generally begin with the lowest dosage possible. If a person's symptoms don't improve after a few weeks, the doctor could increase the dose. It is crucial that a patient keeps the track of their symptoms and also discuss how the medication is working with their physician or another healthcare professional.
Concerta and Adderall are two medications that can aid in managing the symptoms of ADHD. Both stimulants enhance how parts of the mind communicate with each other. They boost the levels of two neurotransmitters within the brain, norepinephrine and dopamine. This improves focus and reduce the hyperactive and impulsive behavior.
Both drugs are effective in treating ADHD symptoms. They have been compared directly in clinical studies. Due to differences in their ingredients, as well as how they interact with the brain, Concerta is more likely to be misused than Adderall. In fact, Concerta has a boxed warning about the risk of dependence.
Concerta is a long-acting medicine and is best taken in the morning, either with or without food. To avoid being late with doses, it is important to take your medication at the same time each day. It is crucial to keep track of your symptoms and how the medication is working so you can determine if it needs to be increased or decreased.
Concerta is not known to be absorbed into breast milk or be absorbed in young children. Before taking this medication, a woman who is breastfeeding should speak with her doctor. They could suggest alternative treatments that don't require medication for ADHD.
Overdose
Concerta as with other stimulants, can create an unintentional high when taken in higher doses. Intoxication with the drug can result in heart issues and other dangerous adverse effects.
Students in college are prone to stimulant abuse. The drugs increase concentration and alertness, making them popular study aids. They can also raise blood pressure and lead to a stroke or heart attack in people with heart disease or high blood pressure or a history of heart problems. Concerta can also cause psychosis in some people, particularly if it is mixed with other stimulants or alcohol and in those who suffer from bipolar disorder or depression.
Concerta contains the drug methylphenidate, which is in a class of medicines known as stimulants. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. This helps improve attention and concentration and reduces symptoms of ADHD. It can also help treat narcolepsy in some adults. Doctors usually prescribe the medication as part of a treatment program that includes behavioral therapy.
Concerta overdose could be fatal. The signs of an overdose could include difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness and death. Contact emergency services if you, or someone knows has abused these medications.
Concerta is classified as a controlled substance. This means it is controlled by the federal government. It's a Schedule II substance, which means that it can be misused. It is possible to misuse the drug by crushing it and snorting or using it for high. They might also take the drug over a long period of time which could cause addiction. If you are prescribed Concerta keep it in a safe place away from reach of children.