Uses

This medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – ADHD. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It can help increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. It may also help you to organize your tasks and improve listening skills.

How to use Concerta
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking methylphenidate and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. Taking this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia).
Swallow this medication with a full glass of liquid (8 ounces/240 milliliters). Do not crush or chew this medication. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Is Concerta a stimulant medication?

Stimulant medications including amphetamines (e.g., Adderall) and methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin and Concerta) are often prescribed to treat children, adolescents, or adults diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Is Adderall and Concerta the same thing?

Concerta’s generic equivalent is called methylphenidate. Adderall is a combination of two generic drugs: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Both medicines can effectively manage symptoms of ADHD. Side-by-side comparisons of these two ADHD medications show that they are similar in many ways.

How long does the effects of Concerta ER last each day?

Onset of effects occurs within 30-60 minutes after taking Concerta. After that, duration of action lasts from 8-12 hours. And the average times to reach peak plasma concentrations across all doses of Concerta occur between 6-10 hours. The average half-life for Concerta in adults is about 3.5 hours.