ADHD Medication - Concerta
Concerta and Ritalin LA are both used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Both contain methylphenidate which is the same drug. But they release it differently in your body.
Studies conducted on the subject show that Concerta reduces inattention in children and adults who use it. It also helps with the other ADHD symptoms.
What is Concerta?
Concerta includes methylphenidate, which is part of the group of drugs known as stimulants. It boosts the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This increases your ability to focus and manage impulses. Additionally, Concerta regulates heart rate and blood pressure to help maintain your alertness.
Concerta is effective for a variety of individuals with ADHD and offers symptom relief and improved performance. However, the response to treatment may differ from person to person and adverse effects are common. Keeping regular contact with your healthcare provider and monitoring your symptoms is important. You can lessen the adverse effects of this ADHD medication by altering your medication or looking into alternative treatments.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Concerta to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children ages 6-12 or adolescents, as well as adults who are older than 65. It helps improve the focus of people with inattention ADHD and decreases hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. These are hallmark signs.
In addition, Concerta enhances cognitive function for people suffering from ADHD by improving the communication between two areas of the brain, namely the striatum and frontal cortex. This communication is impaired in those with ADHD and can impact executive functions and the regulation of behavior.
The extended-release delivery system of Concerta allows it to be taken every day and allows for continuous management of symptoms throughout the day, minimizing the peaks and troughs that are associated with stimulants that have a shorter duration of action. It is available in 18mg, 27mg, 36mg, and 54mg dosages. Your doctor will prescribe a dose based on age, weight and clinical evaluation. You should never give your medication to anyone, not even another person with ADHD.
How do you make Concerta Work?
Concerta, like other ADHD drugs, works by enhancing neurotransmitter activity in the brain. The drug acts in the striatum and the frontal cortex to help those suffering from ADHD improve their control of their emotions and cognitive functions.
The drug is a stimulant, and it boosts dopamine levels and norepinephrine levels within the brain. It also hinders the reuptake of these chemicals in synapses. This increases neurotransmission and enhances focus and attention. It also affects the reward pathway within the brain. This can reduce impulsive behaviors and assist people to concentrate on tasks more effectively.
In clinical trials, Concerta was shown to reduce ADHD symptoms in children as well as adults. It also enhances academic performance and function aiding people suffering from ADHD to live better lives. The medication is designed to be taken once a day and lasts for 10-12 hours.
It is crucial to take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss the dose, you should take it whenever you remember. It is crucial to not increase the dosage or take more than your doctor recommends. This could increase the chance of adverse effects or overdose.
Ask your doctor if there are other ways to take medication if you or your child has difficulty swallowing pills. It is best to avoid chewing or breaking the tablets, as this can cause them to release all of the medication at once. It is also important to take the medication with food because it could cause stomach upset.
The use of stimulants can be harmful. They are Schedule II controlled substances, and carry the risk of addiction. Therefore, it is important to discuss the advantages and risks of taking Concerta with your physician prior to beginning treatment.
Dosage
If you or your child have been assessed for ADHD, your doctor probably filled out an ADHD rating scale for symptoms. These forms ask questions regarding impulsivity and inattention. These forms can help you and/or your doctor determine the extent to which the medication is working. It is crucial to keep the track of your child's symptoms when taking Concerta. Your doctor or you may utilize a printable medication diary to track this.
Concerta is an ADHD stimulant that may help improve symptoms in adolescents and children of all age groups. It contains methylphenidate as its active ingredient, which can increase levels of neurotransmitters that affect the control of impulses and attention in the brain. The drug is available in two forms: an extended-release tablet called Concertta ER and a longer acting capsule known as JornayPM. Use the medication according to your doctor's instructions. Never alter your dosage without consulting your doctor.
Adults abuse stimulants like Concerta by taking more than the recommended dose or crushing them and taking them in a snort to get a stronger high. This type of abuse occurs most often with drugs that are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream like amphetamines. Concerta's complicated release mechanism makes it less likely than other medications to be abused.
Stimulant drugs, such as Concerta can cause side effects on your heart and blood vessel. These include heartbeats that are rapid, chest tightness or pain, and issues with blood pressure or circulation. If you suffer from these or any other heart-related issues consult your doctor prior to beginning Concerta. Many people are concerned that stimulants like Concerta can slow growth in teenagers and children. Some studies have shown no effect, while other studies demonstrate a slight inhibition in growth.
Side effects
When taking medication for ADHD patients and their physicians typically begin with the lowest dosage, or "dose," possible. If treating adhd without medication do not improve after a few weeks, a doctor may increase the dosage. It is essential that a patient keep the track of their symptoms and also discuss how well the medication is working with their physician or another healthcare professional.
Concerta and Adderall are two drugs that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. They are both stimulants, and work by improving the way parts of the brain communicate with one other. They increase the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. This helps improve focus and reduce the hyperactive and impulsive behavior.
Both drugs are effective in treating ADHD symptoms. They have been directly compared in clinical studies. Due to the differences in their ingredients, and how they interact with the brain, Concerta is more likely to be misused than Adderall. Concerta is accompanied by an indication on the box about the possibility of dependence.
Concerta is a long-acting medicine and is best taken in the morning with or without food. To avoid being late with doses, it is important to take your medication at the same time every day. It is essential to keep an eye on your symptoms and the way in which the medication performs so you can determine if it is needed to be lowered or increased.
It is not known if Concerta is absorbed into breast milk or can be absorbed by children. Before taking this medication, a woman who is breastfeeding should consult her doctor. They may recommend alternative treatments for ADHD that do not require medications.
Overdose
Concerta like other stimulants, can create an unsafe high if used in higher doses. Abusing the drug can lead to heart issues and other dangerous side effects.
Students in college are more susceptible to abuse of stimulants. These drugs are popular study aids because they increase alertness and focus. They can also lead to high blood pressure and heart attack or stroke for those with heart disease, high blood pressure, or a previous history of heart problems. Concerta may also trigger psychosis in certain people especially when it is coupled with other stimulants or alcohol and if they have bipolar disorder or depression.
Concerta contains methylphenidate. This drug is part of a class called stimulants. It increases the amount of neurotransmitters, like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This improves attention and concentration and helps reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It is also used to treat narcolepsy for some adults. Doctors usually prescribe the drug as part of a treatment program that includes behavioral therapy.
Intoxication from Concerta can be fatal. The signs of an overdose include difficulty breathing or losing consciousness, and even death. Call the emergency services if you or someone who you know has taken these medications.
Concerta is a controlled drug which means it is controlled federally. It's listed as a Schedule II drug, which implies it's a risk to be misused. People who misuse the drug may take it in ways that aren't prescribed, such as crushing and snorting it or using it to get high. They might also take it long-term, which can lead to addiction. If you have a prescription for Concerta keep it in a secure place away from reach of children.