Concerta for Adult ADHD

Concerta (generic name, methylphenidate hydrochloride) is a central nervous system stimulant manufactured by McNeil Pediatrics approved for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children aged 6 years and older, adolescents, and adults aged 65 years or younger.

As one of the most common psychiatric disorders, ADHD affects an estimated 4.5 million children in the United States. Symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, impulsive behavior, and being easily distracted, can significantly impact quality of life. The effectiveness of Concerta for increasing attention and decreasing impulsiveness and hyperactivity has been demonstrated in several weeks-long randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies involving patients meeting diagnostic criteria, as measured by the Inattention/Overactivity with Aggression Conners scale in children, the ADHD Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Effectiveness in adolescents, and the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale in adults.

Other available medications approved for the treatment of ADHD include Adderall and Adderall XR, Daytrana, Dexedrine, Dextrostat, Focalin and Focalin XR, Metadate ER and Metadate CD, Methylin, Ritalin (regular formulation, sustained-release, and long-acting), Strattera, and Vyvanse.

Concerta should be used cautiously in individuals with a history or drug or alcohol dependence, and chronic abuse can lead to dependence associated with abnormal behavior and psychotic episodes. The recommended dose of Concerta for children and adolescents is 18 mg once daily, while the recommended dose for adults is 18 to 36 mg/day. Doses may be increased at intervals of 18 mg per week in individuals who do not see results at lower doses. Concerta for ADHD can interact with other medicines, including antidepressants, seizure medicines, blood thinners, blood pressure medication, and cold or allergy medications.

McNeil Pediatrics, headquartered in Titusville, New Jersey, is a division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Inc. McNeil Pediatrics is committed to the development of therapies for ADHD and ADD.. The company is dedicated to scientific efforts and ongoing research and innovation as well as continued product development in the pediatric field.

Author: S. West, Adult ADHD Product Reviews