Concerta is a prescription medication primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children ages 6 years and older, and in adults up to age 65 years. It contains methylphenidate, a central nervous system stimulant that works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. While Concerta can be effective in managing ADHD symptoms, it's important to be aware of its potential side effects, including those related to weight loss.
What is Concerta?
Concerta is an extended-release tablet taken orally once daily. The medication releases gradually over time. Methylphenidate belongs to a class of medications called stimulants, increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. These neurotransmitters can stimulate your brain, which can improve the symptoms of ADHD, improving focus and reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity. Concerta is also used to treat a sleep disorder called narcolepsy.
How Does Concerta Affect Weight?
One of the common side effects of Concerta is decreased appetite, which can lead to weight loss. In clinical trials, weight loss occurred in 6.5% of adults taking Concerta, compared to 3.3% of those taking a placebo. This appetite suppression is a direct result of the drug's stimulant properties affecting the central nervous system.
Appetite Suppression: A Closer Look
Concerta, like other stimulants, can reduce appetite by influencing neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Norepinephrine and dopamine, which are increased by Concerta, play roles in regulating hunger and satiety. The increased levels of these neurotransmitters can signal to the brain that the body is not hungry, leading to a decrease in food intake.
Managing Weight Loss While Taking Concerta
If you or your child experiences weight loss while taking Concerta, it's important to take steps to manage this side effect and ensure adequate nutrition. Here are some tips:
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- Monitor Weight Regularly: Keep track of your or your child's weight to identify any significant changes.
- Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods: Focus on consuming foods high in nutrients, even if the quantity is smaller.
- Smaller, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, try eating smaller meals or snacks throughout the day.
- Take Concerta With or After Meals: Taking Concerta with or after a meal may help reduce appetite suppression.
- Consult Your Doctor: Discuss your concerns with your doctor, who can provide personalized advice and monitor your overall health.
Concerta Side Effects
Concerta can cause a range of side effects, both mild and serious.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects in adults can include:
- Decreased appetite, potentially leading to weight loss
- Nausea
- Stomach ache
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- Irritability
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- Headache
- Increased blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are less common but require immediate medical attention. These include:
- Heart-related problems: Chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, and fast, irregular heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure: Severe headache, feeling tired, and trouble breathing
- Seizures: Confusion, loss of consciousness, and uncontrolled movements
- Priapism: Painful erections lasting longer than 4 hours
- Psychiatric problems: Depression, hallucinations, and aggression
- Circulation problems: Coldness, numbness, and color changes in fingers and toes
- Vision changes: Blurred vision and difficulty focusing
- Decreased growth in children: Lower height and weight compared to peers
- Severe allergic reactions: Swelling, rash, and trouble breathing
Other Side Effects
Other reported side effects include depression, severe allergic reaction, alopecia (hair loss) and drug dependence.
Important Considerations
- Drug Dependence: Concerta has a boxed warning regarding the risk of drug dependence. If you have a history of drug or alcohol dependence, your doctor may prescribe a different medication.
- Mental Health: Tell your doctor right away if you or your family notice any unusual changes in behavior, including an increase in aggression, hostility, agitation, irritability, or suicidal thinking or behaviors.
- Heart Health: Methylphenidate may cause serious heart or blood vessel problems. This may be more likely in patients who have a family history of heart disease.
- Growth Monitoring: This medicine may cause slow growth and weight loss. If your child is using this medicine, the doctor will need to keep track of your child's height and weight to make sure that your child is growing properly.
- Raynaud's phenomenon: Methylphenidate may cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon.
- Surgery: Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using Metadate CD®, Relexxii®, Ritalin®, Ritalin LA®, or Ritalin-SR®. You may need to stop using this medicine before you have surgery.
- Priapism: If you or your child experience a prolonged or painful erection of the penis for more than 4 hours, check with your doctor right away.
- Overdose: Symptoms of overdose include: agitation, blurred vision, change in consciousness, chest pain or discomfort, confusion, dark urine, diarrhea, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse, fever, headache, inability to speak, loss of consciousness, muscle cramps, spasms, pain, or stiffness, nausea, nervousness, overactive reflexes, pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck, pale, clammy skin, palpitations, pounding in the ears, seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there, seizures, shivering, slow or fast heartbeat, slurred speech, sweating, talking or acting with excitement you cannot control, temporary blindness, thirst, trembling or shaking, trouble breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, or weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe.
- Other Medications: Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines, herbal or vitamin supplements, and medicine for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hayfever, or sinus problems.
Concerta vs. Adderall XR
Concerta and Adderall XR are both central nervous system stimulants used to treat ADHD. Concerta contains methylphenidate, while Adderall XR contains mixed amphetamine salts. While both medications share similar side effects, there are some differences. Common side effects specific to Concerta include belly pain, excessive sweating, nausea, and vomiting. Adderall XR can cause an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Both drugs can cause dry mouth, diarrhea, weight loss, decreased appetite, and insomnia.
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Important Precautions
Before starting Concerta, inform your doctor about any pre-existing health conditions, including heart problems, mental health disorders, and a history of substance abuse. Also, disclose all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
During Concerta treatment, regular check-ups with your doctor are essential to monitor your progress and identify any potential side effects. Blood pressure and heart rate should be checked regularly. Do not increase the dose of Concerta without consulting your doctor, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
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