Close

Concerta was the first truly long-lasting, extended-release form of Ritalin. Technically,Ritalin SRcame first, but it didn’t really last all day for most kids, and it definitely didn’t provide the 12 hours of symptom control that Concerta offered.

The benefit of this all-day relief from symptoms ofADHD(attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) meant that kids with ADHD no longer had to line up during lunch to get their ADHD medicines from the school nurse.

What Concerta Is Used For

Concerta is a central nervous systemstimulantthat is used to treat children and teens with ADHD.It can be prescribed to children who are over six years old, although, since it is a pill that must be swallowed, even some young children who are over age six may have problems taking it.

Key Facts

Together with Adderall XR, Concerta is one of the two most commonly prescribed ADHD medications for children. It lasts for 12 hours in most kids, helps to control allof the core symptomsof ADHD—including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity—and has a relatively low incidence of side effects.

Other facts about Concerta:

8 Myths About ADHD Explained

Side Effects

The most common side effects are headaches, stomach pain, sleeplessness (insomnia), and decreased appetite. Other side effects can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, nervousness, tics, allergic reactions, increased blood pressure, and psychosis.

Your pediatrician will monitor your child’s growth and blood pressure while they are taking Concerta to watch for any potential problems.

Who Should Not Take Concerta

The Link Between Tic Disorders and ADHD

What You Need to Know

Other Considerations

2 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Methylphenidate.CMS.Stimulant and related medications: US FDA approved indications and dosage for use in pediatric patients.Additional ReadingConcerta Patient Information Sheet - October 2004 Edition.

2 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Methylphenidate.CMS.Stimulant and related medications: US FDA approved indications and dosage for use in pediatric patients.Additional ReadingConcerta Patient Information Sheet - October 2004 Edition.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

MedlinePlus.Methylphenidate.CMS.Stimulant and related medications: US FDA approved indications and dosage for use in pediatric patients.

MedlinePlus.Methylphenidate.

CMS.Stimulant and related medications: US FDA approved indications and dosage for use in pediatric patients.

Concerta Patient Information Sheet - October 2004 Edition.

Meet Our Review Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

What is your feedback?