Concerta 18mg Tablets

Concerta 18 mg Tablet is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (restlessness and inability to focus and concentrate). The active ingredient present in this medicine calms you down and your brain, which allows you to focus and concentrate. Side effects of Concerta 18 mg Tablet may range from minor to serious and include headache, nervousness, inability to fall asleep, pain in the joints, dry mouth, and fever.

You must talk to your doctor about all the side effects the medicine can have on your body. Concerta 18 mg Tablet interactions include adverse interactions with certain medications used to treat or manage depression, sleeplessness, blood pressure, and cough. You must tell your doctor about any medicine you had or are taking before starting the Concerta tablets.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose of Concerta 18 mg Tablet include breathing difficulties, weakness or stiffness in the muscles, uncontrollable shaking of the body, excessive sleep, change in color urine, and unconsciousness. If you have taken an overdose of this medicine, consult the nearest emergency hospital immediately, even if you do not notice the above-mentioned symptoms.

Missed a Dose

If you have forgotten to take a dose, make sure you take it within the time. However, if the time has passed and it is time for the next dose, do not take the forgotten dose and continue with regular dosage. Taking a double dose at one time can result in severe overdose symptoms.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

The active ingredient, Methylphenidate, in this medicine calms you down and your brain and allows you to focus and concentrate by balancing certain natural chemicals in the brain.

Directions for Use

• Concerta 18 mg Tablet must be taken as prescribed by your doctor without modification of dose and duration of taking this medicine
• Concerta 18 mg Tablet must be taken with food to prevent stomach pains, nausea, or vomiting
• Concerta 18 mg Tablet must be swallowed and avoid chewing or crushing the tablet. You may break the tablet for easy swallowing

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Concerta 18 mg Tablet during pregnancy?

Concerta 18 mg Tablet, when taken during the first three months of pregnancy, may increase the risk of heart problems in the newborn. Hence, you should not take Concerta 18 mg tablets during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before starting any medicine during pregnancy. If you are already on treatment and are pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Concerta 18 mg Tablet while breastfeeding?

Concerta 18 mg Tablet may pass into the breast milk and therefore must be avoided while breastfeeding. Visit your doctor and talk about the risks of taking this medicine while breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have taken Concerta 18 mg Tablet?

Driving while taking Concerta 18 mg Tablet must be avoided as this medicine causes blurry vision, lack of alertness, and may even cause dizziness.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with the Concerta 18 mg Tablet?

Consuming alcohol with Concerta 18 mg Tablet worsens the condition and may cause some serious side effects; hence it must be avoided.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You are suffering from problems of the kidney
• You have gone through episodes of fits or seizures
• You have any abnormalities detected in your brain scan
• You are a girl and your periods have started
• You are a boy and experiencing prolonged, painful erections
• You have been suffering from raised blood pressure
• You have been suffering from any mental illness

Contraindications

• If you have or had an allergy to methylphenidate or any of the other components in the Concerta tablet.
• If you are suffering from thyroid problem(s).
• If you are suffering from an increased eye pressure (glaucoma)
• If you have an adrenal gland tumor
• If you are going through an eating problem
• If the blood pressure recorded is high
• If you have or had heart problems

Side effects

• Headache
• Nervousness
• Sleeping problems
• Joint pain
• Dry mouth
• High temperature (fever)

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Avoid taking Concerta 18 mg Tablet with medicines used in depression as they may cause a sudden and abnormal rise in the blood pressure
• Concerta 18 mg Tablet when taken with medicines to reduce blood pressure such as bepridil, it may not work effectively, and the blood pressure will not be maintained

Storage and disposal

Storage of Concerta 18 mg Tablet must be done at room temperature at a dry place with no sunlight. It must be kept away from the sight and reach of children. Disposal of Concerta 18 mg Tablet should be such that pets cannot consume it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I give Concerta 18 mg Tablet to children?

Concerta 18 mg tablets are not meant to be given to children below six years of age as the medicine's safety and effectiveness have not been established. Concerta 18 mg tablets are only for children and adolescents between 6-18 years of age.

Can I stop taking the Concerta 18 mg Tablet?

No, stopping a concerta 18mg tablet without consulting your doctor can be dangerous as the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may return, and you may feel depressed. Talk to your doctor before stopping this medicine.

Before taking Concerta 18 mg Tablet, what are the other precautions to consider?

Concerta 18 mg tablets contain lactose as one of its ingredients. If your doctor has ever asked you to stop taking a certain type of sugar or told you that you are intolerant to sugar, then avoid taking this medicine and consult your doctor first.