Concerta Side Effects
Are They Dangerous? Find Out Here...
Common Concerta side effects include decreased appetite, irritability, and insomnia. Since Concerta is a stimulant, Concerta side effects are similar to those of any other stimulant drug.
What Is Concerta?
Concerta is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) and it works by interacting with the chemicals in the brain that contribute to impulse control and hyperactivity.
Decreased Appetite
This is a common side effect of all stimulants. If it continues to be problematic, dosages and medication times can be adjusted. Often a large breakfast, small lunch and large supper can do the trick. Or a late evening snack can also help.
Sleep Disturbances
Sometimes sleep disturbances are due to ADHD, not the medication. Therefore, it is a good idea to take a sleep history before starting taking any stimulants. If sleep disturbances are due to the medication, there are several options such as adjusting dosages and medication times.
Rebound
Rebound is the phenomenon where some experience irritability or depression for an hour as the drug wears off. One can avoid rebound by spacing the doses closer together, giving a smaller dose after the final larger dose, or by switching to a longer acting stimulant.Recently several new long-acting stimulant preparations have been released. Although the long-acting compounds often have less rebound, it may still occur in susceptible individuals.
"The Shakes"
Ever consumed too much caffeine? Like all stimulants, Concerta produces the jitters and the shakes. To avoid this try eliminating all caffeine and other stimulants. A small dose of a beta-blocker (a type of blood pressure medication) can block tremors, shakes and jitters. Be sure to eat regular meals and ingest some food.
Upset Stomach
Another common Concerta effects, and a common side effect of any stimulant. Take the medication with meals or eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Irritability
 Irritability may be due to Attention Deficit, but if it is due to the medication the dosage may be altered or another ADHD medication could be substituted. In addition, headaches or other adverse physical side effects may cause individuals to be irritable, especially children who may not fully understand how medications affect the human body. If this occurs, educate the child to become more aware of how the body reacts to medications.
Tips
All medications have side effects, both positive and negative. If you are experiencing adverse side effects report them to your prescribing doctor. If the side effects are severe, seek assistance at the nearest hospital emergency room.
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