Clinical studies have determined that the effect of Concerta® on ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is to improve a patient’s ability to concentrate so that he may focus on and complete required personal and social tasks. The effect of Concerta® on ADHD becomes apparent once the patient takes the medication long-term. For the time that the medication stays in the body until it is metabolized, it improves the patient’s social life at school and at home, giving him or her the ability to focus on tasks — the attention part of the disease. With more control over neuromuscular functioning, the use of Concerta® on ADHD reduces the patient’s impulsiveness — the hyperactivity part of the disease. Administered by a physician and having few side effects, using Concerta® on ADHD can minimize symptoms throughout the patient’s life.
Concerta® is a form of time-release methylphenidate, a mild stimulant of the central nervous system. In children and some adults who have ADHD symptoms, the drug was found to increase attention span and, thereby, the patient’s ability to control both his or her distractibility and impulsive body movements. The main ingredients of Concerta® were prescribed originally as stimulants and diet pills. It is not surprising, then, that at least one out of every ten patients experiences the side effects of insomnia and loss of appetite.
Concerta® comes in different dosages depending on the doctor-determined needs of the patient. Sustained-release assures adequate dosage throughout the day, depending on the patient’s metabolism. Using Concerta® on ADHD should be only one part of a total treatment program, including counseling and social discipline from teachers and parents in order to control negative behaviors and any side effects from the medication.
According to studies, teenagers who take Concerta® for ADHD are less likely to take illegal drugs or produce unwanted pregnancies.
The metabolic chemistry of children changes throughout their lives. So do their abilities to control their ADHD symptoms. The patient may not need Concerta® for his entire life. Doctors, with the aid of parents, teachers, and psychologists, should monitor a patient’s behavior to ascertain any changes in metabolism or behavior that indicate a need to lower the dosage.