CONCERTA

Drug Name: CONCERTA

CONCERTA DESCRIPTION:
METHYLPHENIDATE SUSTAINED ACTION, OSMOTIC - ORAL (meth-ill-FEN-eh-date)

COMMON CONCERTA BRAND NAME(S):
Concerta

CONCERTA SIDE EFFECTS:
Loss of appetite, blurred vision, dizziness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, stomach upset, sleeplessness, irritability or constipation may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: weight loss, chest pain, nervousness, pounding heart, difficulty urinating, mood changes, yellowing eyes and skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE CONCERTA:
CONCERTA: Take CONCERTA once daily in the morning. It can be taken with or without meals. Swallow CONCERTA whole. Do not chew, crush or divide it. Use CONCERTA exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because CONCERTA can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a long period of time, do not suddenly stop using this without first consulting your doctor. When used for extended periods, CONCERTA may not work as well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if the medication isn't working well.

CONCERTA USES:
CONCERTA is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

CONCERTA PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: seizures or motor tics, Tourette's disorder, glaucoma, high blood pressure, severe anxiety, alcoholism, drug dependence, mental conditions, any allergies. If CONCERTA makes you dizzy or lightheaded, use caution driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Methylphenidate should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if methylphenidate passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

CONCERTA DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription drugs you may use, especially: anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), medicine for seizures, antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), certain high blood pressure medications (e.g., guanethidine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

CONCERTA OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dilated pupils, vomiting, nervousness, agitation, twitching, tremors, flushing, sweating, headache, seizures, irregular heartbeat, dry mouth, and loss of consciousness.

CONCERTA NOTES:
Do not allow anyone else to take CONCERTA.

MISSED CONCERTA DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered and take any remaining doses at evenly spaced times. If it is near bedtime or near time for the next dose, skip that dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

CONCERTA STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.