What Is Concerta?
Concerta is a brand-name extended-release form of methylphenidate -- one of the oldest and most well-studied ADHD medications available. It was approved by the FDA in 2000 and has been used to treat ADHD in millions of adults and children since then.
What makes Concerta different from other methylphenidate products is its unique delivery system. The tablet uses an osmotic-controlled release mechanism (called OROS) that releases medication gradually over 10-12 hours. You take it once in the morning and it works throughout your entire day -- no need for a second dose at lunchtime.
How Concerta Works for ADHD
Concerta works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. These are neurotransmitters that play a key role in attention, focus, and impulse control. In people with ADHD, these chemicals are often at lower levels than normal -- which is why focusing feels so much harder.
When Concerta starts working, most people describe it as a "quieting" of their mind. The mental chatter slows down. Tasks that felt impossible become manageable. You can start a project and actually finish it.
The extended-release design means you get:
- About 22% of the dose released immediately (within the first hour)
- The remaining 78% released gradually over the next 10-11 hours
- Smooth, consistent coverage without the peaks and valleys of immediate-release methylphenidate
Typical Dosing for Adults
Concerta comes in four strengths: 18mg, 27mg, 36mg, and 54mg tablets. Your psychiatrist will typically start you at a lower dose and adjust upward based on how you respond.
Starting dose: Most adults start at 18mg or 36mg once daily, taken in the morning with or without food.
Dose adjustments: Your doctor may increase the dose in 18mg increments at weekly intervals until you find the right level. The maximum recommended dose is 72mg per day (though some patients take up to 108mg under close supervision).
Important: Concerta tablets must be swallowed whole. Do not crush, chew, or split them -- this breaks the extended-release mechanism and dumps the entire dose at once.
Side Effects to Know About
Most side effects are mild and often improve after the first couple of weeks. The most commonly reported side effects in adults include:
- Decreased appetite -- The most common side effect. Many patients find it helpful to eat a good breakfast before taking their dose.
- Trouble falling asleep -- Taking Concerta too late in the day can keep you up at night. Morning dosing helps avoid this.
- Dry mouth -- Staying hydrated throughout the day usually helps.
- Headache -- Usually mild and temporary, especially in the first week.
- Increased heart rate -- A slight increase is normal. Your doctor will monitor this at follow-up visits.
Serious side effects are rare but can include chest pain, shortness of breath, or mood changes. Tell your doctor right away if you experience anything concerning.
Concerta vs. Other ADHD Medications
How does Concerta stack up against other options? Here is a quick comparison:
- Concerta vs. Ritalin: Both contain methylphenidate. Ritalin is immediate-release (lasts 3-4 hours), while Concerta is extended-release (10-12 hours). Concerta is more convenient since you only take it once a day.
- Concerta vs. Adderall: Different active ingredients. Adderall uses amphetamine salts, while Concerta uses methylphenidate. Some patients respond better to one class than the other. If Concerta does not work well for you, Adderall might -- and vice versa.
- Concerta vs. Vyvanse: Both are long-acting stimulants. Vyvanse uses lisdexamfetamine (an amphetamine) and lasts about 12-14 hours. Concerta uses methylphenidate and lasts 10-12 hours. Your psychiatrist can help determine which is the better fit.
Getting Your Concerta Prescription
If you think Concerta might be right for you, here is how to get started with ADHD One:
- Fill out our intake form. It takes about five minutes and asks about your symptoms and medical history.
- Meet with a psychiatrist. Your doctor will evaluate you for ADHD and discuss medication options, including whether Concerta is a good fit for your situation.
- Get your prescription. If Concerta is the right choice, your psychiatrist sends the prescription to your preferred pharmacy. Follow-up appointments ensure the dose is working well for you.
Get started today -- most patients get their first appointment within the same week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Concerta to start working?
Concerta begins working within 30-60 minutes of taking it. The initial release gives you about 22% of the dose right away, with the rest released gradually over the next 10-11 hours. Most patients feel the effects clearly within the first hour.
Can I drink coffee while taking Concerta?
Moderate caffeine intake is generally fine, but large amounts can increase side effects like jitteriness and elevated heart rate. Many patients reduce their caffeine intake after starting Concerta because they no longer need as much to focus. Talk to your doctor about your specific caffeine habits.
Is generic Concerta as effective as brand name?
Generic methylphenidate ER products exist, but not all use the same OROS delivery system as brand-name Concerta. Some patients notice a difference. If you switch to generic and feel a change in effectiveness, let your psychiatrist know -- they may specify the authorized generic or brand name on your prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss your morning dose, take it as soon as you remember -- but not after early afternoon, as it may keep you awake at night. Do not double up on doses. If you frequently forget, setting a daily alarm or keeping your medication next to something you use every morning (like your toothbrush) can help.
Can Concerta be taken with other medications?
Concerta can interact with certain medications, including MAO inhibitors, blood pressure medications, and some antidepressants. Always give your psychiatrist a complete list of everything you take -- including supplements and over-the-counter medications -- so they can check for interactions.
Compare ADHD Medication Options
Concerta is a long-acting form of methylphenidate. To see how it stacks up against other options, explore our ADHD medication comparison chart. Already know your medication? Refill your ADHD prescription online or get a same-day prescription. For non-stimulant alternatives, read about non-stimulant ADHD medications. Start with our 2-minute ADHD screening if you have not been evaluated yet.